Anti-VEGF-C antibodies and methods using same

ABSTRACT

The invention provides VEGF-C antagonists, such as anti-VEGF-C antibodies, and their use in the prevention and treatment of tumor progression.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application filed under 37 CFR1.53(b)(1), claiming priority under 35 USC 119(e) to provisionalapplication No. 61/285,910 filed Dec. 11, 2009, and provisionalapplication No. 61/284,753 filed Dec. 23, 2009, the contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns VEGF-C antagonists, especiallyanti-VEGF-C antibodies, and their use in the prevention and treatment oftumor progression.

BACKGROUND

Development of a vascular system is a fundamental requirement for manyphysiological and pathological processes. Actively growing tissues suchas embryos and tumors require adequate blood supply. They satisfy thisneed by producing pro-angiogenic factors, which promote new blood vesselformation via a process called angiogenesis. Vascular tube formation isa complex but orderly biological event involving all or many of thefollowing steps: a) Endothelial cells (ECs) proliferate from existingECs or differentiate from progenitor cells; b) ECs migrate and coalesceto form cord-like structures; c) vascular cords then undergotubulogenesis to form vessels with a central lumen d) existing cords orvessels send out sprouts to form secondary vessels; e) primitivevascular plexus undergo further remodeling and reshaping; and f)peri-endothelial cells are recruited to encase the endothelial tubes,providing maintenance and modulatory functions to the vessels; suchcells including pericytes for small capillaries, smooth muscle cells forlarger vessels, and myocardial cells in the heart. Hanahan, D. Science277:48-50 (1997); Hogan, B. L. & Kolodziej, P. A. Nature ReviewsGenetics. 3:513-23 (2002); Lubarsky, B. & Krasnow, M. A. Cell. 112:19-28(2003).

It is well established that angiogenesis is implicated in thepathogenesis of a variety of disorders. These include solid tumors andmetastasis, atherosclerosis, retrolental fibroplasia, hemangiomas,chronic inflammation, intraocular neovascular diseases such asproliferative retinopathies, e.g., diabetic retinopathy, age-relatedmacular degeneration (AMD), neovascular glaucoma, immune rejection oftransplanted corneal tissue and other tissues, rheumatoid arthritis, andpsoriasis. Folkman et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267:10931-10934 (1992);Klagsbrun et al., Annu. Rev. Physiol. 53:217-239 (1991); and Garner A.,“Vascular diseases”, In: Pathobiology of Ocular Disease. A DynamicApproach, Garner A., Klintworth G K, eds., 2nd Edition (Marcel Dekker,NY, 1994), pp 1625-1710.

In the case of tumor growth, angiogenesis appears to be crucial for thetransition from hyperplasia to neoplasia, and for providing nourishmentfor the growth and metastasis of the tumor. Folkman et al., Nature339:58 (1989). The neovascularization allows the tumor cells to acquirea growth advantage and proliferative autonomy compared to the normalcells. A tumor usually begins as a single aberrant cell which canproliferate only to a size of a few cubic millimeters due to thedistance from available capillary beds, and it can stay ‘dormant’without further growth and dissemination for a long period of time. Sometumor cells then switch to the angiogenic phenotype to activateendothelial cells, which proliferate and mature into new capillary bloodvessels. These newly formed blood vessels not only allow for continuedgrowth of the primary tumor, but also for the dissemination andrecolonization of metastatic tumor cells. Accordingly, a correlation hasbeen observed between density of microvessels in tumor sections andpatient survival in breast cancer as well as in several other tumors.Weidner et al., N. Engl. J. Med 324:1-6 (1991); Horak et al., Lancet340:1120-1124 (1992); Macchiarini et al., Lancet 340:145-146 (1992). Theprecise mechanisms that control the angiogenic switch is not wellunderstood, but it is believed that neovascularization of tumor massresults from the net balance of a multitude of angiogenesis stimulatorsand inhibitors (Folkman Nat Med 1(1):27-31 (1995)).

It is currently accepted that metastases are responsible for the vastmajority, estimated at 90%, of deaths from solid tumors (Gupta andMassague, Cell 127, 679-695 (2006)). The complex process of metastasisinvolves a series of distinct steps including detachment of tumor cellsfrom the primary tumor, intravasation of tumor cells into lymphatic orblood vessels, and extravasation and growth of tumor cells in secondarysites. Analysis of regional lymph nodes in many tumor types suggeststhat the lymphatic vasculature is an important route for thedissemination of human cancers. Furthermore, in almost all carcinomas,the presence of tumor cells in lymph nodes is an important adverseprognostic factor. While it was previously thought that such metastasesexclusively involved passage of malignant cells along pre-existinglymphatic vessels near tumors, recent experimental studies andclinicopathological reports (reviewed in Achen et al., Br J Cancer 94(2006), 1355-1360 and Nathanson, Cancer 98, 413-423 (2003)) suggest thatlymphangiogenesis can be induced by solid tumors and can promote tumorspread. These and other recent studies suggest targeting lymphatics andlymphangiogenesis may be a useful therapeutic strategy to restrict thedevelopment of cancer metastasis, which would have a significant benefitfor many patients.

Also, the concentration levels of VEGF in eye fluids are highlycorrelated to the presence of active proliferation of blood vessels inpatients with diabetic and other ischemia-related retinopathies. Aielloet al., N. Engl. J. Med. 331:1480-1487 (1994). Furthermore, studies havedemonstrated the localization of VEGF in choroidal neovascular membranesin patients affected by AMD. Lopez et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.37:855-868 (1996).

In view of the role of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in manydiseases and disorders, it is desirable to have a means of modulatingone or more of the biological effects causing these processes. It isclear that despite the significant advancement in the treatment ofcancer achieved by angiogenesis inhibitors such as bevacizumab, improvedtherapies are still being sought, especially those that further enhancethe overall efficacy. The invention described herein meets this need andprovides other benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides novel anti-VEGF-C antibodies and uses thereof.The present invention is based, at least in part, on experimentalresults obtained with anti-VEGF-C antibodies. Results obtained indicatethat VEGF-C plays a role in angiogenesis as well as in modulating VEGF-Cmediated lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) migration and proliferation.In addition, the results demonstrate that blocking VEGF-C leads to aninhibition of lymphangiogenesis and a reduction in lymph node and distalorgan metastasis. Accordingly, VEGF-C antagonist, such as VEGF-Cantibodies of the invention, as described herein, provide importanttherapeutic and diagnostic agents for use in targeting pathologicalconditions associated with activation of VEGF-C receptors.

In one embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises at least one, two,three, four, five, or six HVRs selected from:

-   -   (i) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of RASQDVSTAVA        (SEQ ID NO:27);    -   (ii) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SASFLYS        (SEQ ID NO:28);    -   (iii) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of        QQX₁YX₂X₃PX₄T wherein the HVR-L3 comprises 1-4 (1, 2, 3, or 4)        substitutions in any combination of the following positions: X₁        is S or T; X₂ is T, N, W, A, I, Y or R; X₃ is T, I or S; and/or        X₄ is P, L, T or Y;    -   (iv) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of        GFTFX₁X₂X₃X₄IH wherein the HVR-H1 comprises 1-4 (1, 2, 3, or 4)        substitutions in any combination of the following positions: X₁        is S or T; X₂ is D, N or Y; X₃ is N, S, or T; and/or X₄ is D or        W;    -   (v) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of        X₁X₂ISPX₃X₄GX₅X₆X₇YADSVKG wherein the HVR-H2 comprises 1-7 (1,        2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) substitutions in any combination of the        following positions: X₁ is A or G; X₂ is F, V or W; X₃ is G, S        or Y; X₄ is S or V; X₅ is A, F or Y; X₆ is S or T; and/or X₇ is        D or Y; and    -   (vi) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of        X₁RX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂DY wherein the HVR-H3 comprises 1-12        (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12) substitutions in any        combination of the following positions: X₁ is A, S, T or V; X₂        is D, L or W; X₃ is A, F, R, V, W or Y; X₄ is D, E, G, K or T;        X₅ is I, V or Y; X₆ is A, I, D, K, R or Y; X₇ is F or Y; X₈ is        A, G or no amino acid at this position; X₉ is F, G, W or no        amino acid at this position; X₁₀ is V, W or no amino acid at        this position; X₁₁ is A or no amino acid at this position;        and/or X₁₂ is F, L, M or no amino acid at this position. See        FIGS. 1 and 23-30.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises at least one, two,three, four, five or six HVRs selected from:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 or 38.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three variable light(“VL”) HVR sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 29.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 30.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 31.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 32.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 33.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 34.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 35.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 36.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 37.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 38.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three variable heavy(“VH”) HVR sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 29.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 30.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 31.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 32.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 33.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 34.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 35.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 36.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 37.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 6, and 21, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 38.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:29.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:30.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:31.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:32.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:33.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:34.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:35.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:36.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:37.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:21;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:38.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises at least one, two,three, four, five or six HVRs selected from:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3        or 4;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8        or 91;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:23, 24, 25 or 26:    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29        or 39.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:27, 28, and 29.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:3, 8, and 26.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chaincomprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequencesselected from SEQ ID NOs:3, 8, and 26, and a light chain comprising atleast one, at least two, or three VL HVR sequences selected from SEQ IDNOs:27, 28, and 29.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises:

-   -   (1) an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3;    -   (2) an HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8;    -   (3) an HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:26;    -   (4) an HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:27;    -   (5) an HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:28; and    -   (6) an HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID        NO:29.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavychain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the heavy chain variable domain comprisesthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a lightchain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 or 83. Inanother embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a light chainvariable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:75, 78 or 82. In another embodiment, theanti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a light chain variable domain having atleast 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75.In another embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a light chainvariable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:78. In another embodiment, the anti-VEGF-Cantibody comprises a light chain variable domain having at least 90%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:82.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the light chain variable domain comprisesthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82or 83. In another embodiment, the light chain variable domain comprisesthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75, 78 or 82. In anotherembodiment, the light chain variable domain comprises the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:75. In another embodiment, the light chainvariable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:78. Inanother embodiment, the light chain variable domain comprises the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:82.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavychain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domain havingat least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 or 83. In yet another embodiment,the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain havingat least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:73, and a light chain variable domain having at least 90% sequenceidentity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75, 78 or 82. In yetanother embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavy chainvariable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domain having atleast 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75.In yet another embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavychain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domain havingat least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:78. In yet another embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises aheavy chain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domainhaving at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:82.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises theheavy chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:73, and the light chain variable domain comprises the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82 or 83. In yetanother embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises the heavy chainvariable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, andthe light chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:75, 78 or 82. In yet another embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprises the heavy chain variable domain comprises the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and the light chain variable domain comprisesthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75. In yet another embodiment, theanti-VEGF-C antibody comprises the heavy chain variable domain comprisesthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and the light chain variabledomain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:78. In yet anotherembodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises the heavy chain variabledomain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and the lightchain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:82.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavychain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:84.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises theheavy chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:84.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a lightchain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:85.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises thelight chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:85.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavychain variable domain having at least 90% sequence identity to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:84, and a light chain variable domain havingat least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:85.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises theheavy chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:84, and the light chain variable domain comprises the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:85.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises theheavy chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:73, and the light chain variable domain comprises the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:74.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises theheavy chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:73, and the light chain variable domain comprises the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:78.

In another embodiment, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises theheavy chain variable domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:73, and the light chain variable domain comprises the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:82.

In certain embodiments, an antibody that binds to VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof is provided, wherein the antibody comprises an amino acidsubstitution at position 297 to alanine. In certain embodiments, theanti-VEGF-C antibodies described herein further comprise an amino acidsubstitution at position 265 to alanine. In certain embodiments, theanti-VEGF-C antibodies described herein further comprise amino acidsubstitutions at positions 265 to alanine and at position 297 toalanine.

In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF-C antibody is a monoclonalantibody. In one embodiment, the antibody is an antibody fragmentselected from a Fab, Fab′-SH, Fv, scFv, or (Fab′)₂ fragment. In certainembodiments, the antibody is humanized. In certain embodiments, theantibody is human. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of theframework sequence is a human consensus framework sequence.

In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF-C antibody is a bispecificantibody. In certain embodiments, the bispecific antibody binds VEGF-Cand to another antigen. In certain embodiments, the bispecific antibodybinds VEGF-C and VEGF. In certain embodiments, the bispecific antibodymay bind to two different epitopes of VEGF-C. In certain embodiments,the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domaincomprising at one, two, or three variable heavy HVR sequences of theinvention. In certain embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises aheavy chain variable domain that binds to the same epitope on VEGF-C asthe anti-VEGF-C antibodies of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF-C antibody is selected from thegroup consisting of antibodies VC1, VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3, VC1.4, VC1.5,VC1.6, VC1.7, VC1.8, VC1.9, VC1.10, VC1.11, VC1.12, VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2,VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5, VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9, VC1.12.10,VC3, VC4, VC4,2, VC4,3, VC4.4, VC4.5, and fragments and variants, suchas affinity matured variants thereof.

In certain embodiments, the invention concerns an anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprising the heavy and/or light chain variable region sequence of anantibody selected from the group consisting of VC1, VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3,VC1.4, VC1.5, VC1.6, VC1.7, VC1.8, VC1.9, VC1.10, VC1.11, VC1.12,VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2, VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5, VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8,VC1.12.9, VC1.12.10, VC3, VC4, VC4,2, VC4,3, VC4.4, VC4.5, and fragmentsand variants thereof.

In certain embodiments, the invention concerns an anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprising the heavy and/or light chain variable region sequences ofVC1.12, VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2, VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5, VC1.12.6,VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9, VC1.12.10, VC4.5, or a fragment or variant thereof.In certain embodiments, the invention concerns an anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprising the heavy and/or light chain variable region sequences ofVC4.5, or a fragment or variant thereof. In certain embodiments, theinvention concerns an anti-VEGF-C antibody comprising the heavy and/orlight chain variable region sequences of VC1.12, or a fragment orvariant thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention concerns ananti-VEGF-C antibody comprising the heavy and/or light chain variableregion sequences of VC1.12.4, or a fragment or variant thereof. Incertain embodiments, the invention concerns an anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprising the heavy and/or light chain variable region sequences ofVC1.12.9, or a fragment or variant thereof.

In one aspect, a polynucleotide encoding any of the above antibodies isprovided. In one embodiment, a vector comprising the polynucleotide isprovided. In one embodiment, a host cell comprising the vector isprovided. In one embodiment, the host cell is eukaryotic. In oneembodiment, the host cell is a CHO cell. In one embodiment, a method ofmaking an anti-VEGF-C antibody is provided, wherein the method comprisesculturing the host cell under conditions suitable for expression of thepolynucleotide encoding the antibody, and isolating the antibody.

In one aspect, a method of detecting the presence of VEGF-C in abiological sample is provided, the method comprising contacting thebiological sample with an antibody of the invention under conditionspermissive for binding of the antibody to VEGF-C, and detecting whethera complex is formed between the antibody and VEGF-C. In one embodiment,the method comprises detecting VEGF-C-anti-VEGF-C antibody complex in abiological sample wherein the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-Cantibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73 or 84, and a light chain variable domaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,80, 81, 82, 83 or 85. In yet another embodiment, the method comprisesdetecting VEGF-C-anti-VEGF-C antibody complex in a biological samplewherein the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises aheavy chain variable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:73, and a light chain variable domain comprising the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:75. In yet another embodiment, the methodcomprises detecting VEGF-C-anti-VEGF-C antibody complex in a biologicalsample wherein the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domain comprisingthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:78. In yet another embodiment, themethod comprises detecting VEGF-C-anti-VEGF-C antibody complex in abiological sample wherein the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-Cantibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:82. In yet anotherembodiment, the method comprises detecting VEGF-C-anti-VEGF-C antibodycomplex in a biological sample wherein the amino acid sequence of theanti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprisingthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:84, and a light chain variabledomain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:85.

In one aspect, a method for identifying a patient with a disorderassociated with VEGF-C expression is provided, the method comprisingcontacting a biological sample from the patient having or suspected ofhaving the disorder with an antibody of the invention and detectingVEGF-C-anti-VEGF-C antibody complex in the biological sample, whereinthe detection of the VEGF-C-anti-VEGF-C antibody complex indicates thatthe patient has a disorder associated with VEGF-C expression. In certainembodiments, the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:73 or 84, and a light chain variable domaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,80, 81, 82, 83 or 85. In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence of theanti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprisingthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variabledomain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75. In oneembodiment, the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domain comprisingthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:78. In one embodiment, the aminoacid sequence of the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavy chainvariable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, anda light chain variable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:82. In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-Cantibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:84, and a light chain variable domaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:85. In yet anotherembodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibody is detectably labeled.

The invention further provides immunoconjugates comprising an antibodyconjugated to an agent, such as a drug or cytotoxic agent.

In certain embodiments, methods for inhibiting angiogenesis comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein are provided. In certain embodiments,methods for inhibiting lymphatic endothelial cell migration comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein are provided. In certain embodiments,methods for inhibiting lymphatic endothelial cell proliferationcomprising administering to a subject an effective amount of any of theanti-VEGF-C antibodies described herein are provided. In certainembodiments, methods for inhibiting vascular permeability comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein are provided. In certain embodiments,methods for inhibiting tumoral lymphangiogenesis comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein are provided. In certain embodiments,methods for inhibiting tumor metastasis comprising administering to asubject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodiesdescribed herein are provided. In certain embodiments, methods fortreating a tumor, cancer, or cell proliferative disorder comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein are provided. In certain embodiments, themethods further comprise administering to the subject an effectiveamount of an anti-angiogenic agent. In one embodiment, theanti-angiogenic agent is a VEGF antagonist. In one embodiment, the VEGFantagonist is an anti-VEGF antibody. In one embodiment, the anti-VEGFantibody is bevacizumab.

In one embodiment, methods for inhibiting angiogenesis comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein and an effective amount of ananti-angiogenic agent are provided. In another embodiment, methods forinhibiting lymphatic endothelial cell migration comprising administeringto a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodiesdescribed herein and an effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent areprovided. In another embodiment, methods for inhibiting lymphaticendothelial cell proliferation comprising administering to a subject aneffective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodies described hereinand an effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent are provided. Inanother embodiment, methods for inhibiting vascular permeabilitycomprising administering to a subject an effective amount of any of theanti-VEGF-C antibodies described herein and an effective amount of ananti-angiogenic agent are provided. In yet another embodiment, methodsfor inhibiting tumoral lymphangiogenesis comprising administering to asubject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodiesdescribed herein and an effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent areprovided. In another embodiment, methods for inhibiting tumor metastasiscomprising administering to a subject an effective amount of any of theanti-VEGF-C antibodies described herein and an effective amount of ananti-angiogenic agent are provided. In another embodiment, methods fortreating a tumor, cancer, or cell proliferative disorder comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein and an effective amount of ananti-angiogenic agent are provided.

In certain embodiments, the subject is a human patient, such as a humancancer patient, who may have been diagnosed or may be at risk ofdeveloping metastasis. In certain embodiments, the subject is relapsedfrom or refractory to a VEGF antagonist.

In certain embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consistingof carcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia.

In certain embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consistingof squamous cell cancer, small-cell lung cancer, non-small cell lungcancer, adenocarcinoma of the lung, squamous carcinoma of the lung,cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellular cancer, gastric cancer,gastrointestinal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal cancer, pancreaticcancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer,bladder cancer, hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, colorectalcancer, endometrial or uterine carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma,kidney or renal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, vulval cancer,thyroid cancer, hepatic carcinoma and various types of head and neckcancer, melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo malignamelanoma, acral lentiginous melanomas, nodular melanomas, B-celllymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); acute lymphoblasticleukemia (ALL); Hairy cell leukemia; chronic myeloblastic leukemia;post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), abnormal vascularproliferation associated with phakomatoses, edema associated with braintumors, and Meigs' syndrome.

In certain embodiments, the cancer is non-small cell lung cancer, renalcancer, glioblastoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer orcolorectal cancer.

In certain embodiments, B-cell lymphoma is selected from the groupconsisting of low grade/follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); smalllymphocytic (SL) NHL; intermediate grade/follicular NHL; intermediategrade diffuse NHL; high grade immunoblastic NHL; high gradelymphoblastic NHL; high grade small non-cleaved cell NHL; bulky diseaseNHL; mantle cell lymphoma; AIDS-related lymphoma; and Waldenstrom'sMacroglobulinemia.

In one embodiment, a method of enhancing efficacy of an anti-angiogenicagent in a subject having a pathological condition associated withangiogenesis, comprising administering to the subject an effectiveamount of any of the antibodies above in addition to the anti-antigenicagent, thereby enhancing said anti-angiogenic agent's efficacy isprovided. In one embodiment, the subject is human. In one embodiment,the pathological condition associated with angiogenesis is a tumor, acancer, and/or a cell proliferative disorder. In one embodiment, thepathological condition associated with angiogenesis is an intraocularneovascular disease. In one embodiment, the anti-angiogenic agent is aVEGF antagonist. In one embodiment, the VEGF antagonist is an anti-VEGFantibody. In one embodiment, the anti-VEGF antibody is bevacizumab.

In another aspect, the invention further concerns a compositioncomprising any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodies above in admixture with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In certain embodiments, the invention concerns a pharmaceuticalcomposition for the prevention or treatment of tumor metastasiscomprising an effective amount of any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodiesdescribed herein in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.

In certain embodiments, methods of treating carrier are provided,wherein the method comprises administering to the subject thepharmaceutical composition comprising any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodiesdescribed herein. In certain embodiments, the methods further compriseadministering to the subject an effective amount of anti-VEGF antibody.An exemplary and non-limiting list of cancers contemplated is providedherein under “Definitions.”

In certain embodiments, methods for treating a tumor, cancer or cellproliferative disorder in a subject refractory to or relapsed from aVEGF antagonist therapy comprising the step of administering to thesubject any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodies described herein alone or incombination with VEGF antagonist are provided. In certain embodiments,subjects are previously treated with anti-VEGF antibody. In certainembodiments, the tumors are non-responsive or refractory to anti-VEGFantibody therapy.

In certain embodiments, the invention concerns anti-VEGF-C antibodiesdescribed herein for use in the prevention or treatment of tumormetastasis.

In certain embodiments, methods of preventing recurrence of cancer in asubject comprising administering to the subject any of the anti-VEGF-Cantibodies described herein, wherein the administering prevents cancerrecurrence in the subject are provided. In certain embodiments, methodsof reducing the likelihood of cancer recurrence in a subject comprisingadministering to the subject any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodies describedherein, wherein the administering reduces the likelihood of cancerrecurrence in the subject are provided. In certain embodiments, theadministering of any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodies described hereinprevents or reduces the likelihood of reoccurrence of a clinicallydetectable tumor, or metastasis thereof. In certain embodiments, methodsof preventing the regrowth of a tumor in a subject comprising the stepsof removing the tumor and thereafter administering to the subject any ofthe anti-VEGF-C antibodies described herein are provided. In certainembodiments, methods of preventing the recurrence of cancer in a subjecthaving a tumor comprising the steps of removing the tumor and thereafteradministering to the subject any of the anti-VEGF-C antibodies describedherein are provided.

In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-Cantibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73 or 84, and a light chain variable domaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,80, 81, 82, 83 or 85. In yet another embodiment, the amino acid sequenceof the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chainvariable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75. Inyet another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-Cantibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:78. In yet anotherembodiment, the amino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-C antibodycomprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:73, and a light chain variable domain comprisingthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:82. In yet another embodiment, theamino acid sequence of the anti-VEGF-C antibody comprises a heavy chainvariable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:84, anda light chain variable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:85.

In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF-C antibodies described hereinblocks biological activity of VEGF-C. In certain embodiments, the VEGF-Cis the full-length VEGF-C. In another embodiment, the VEGF-C is themature VEGF-C.

In certain embodiments, the methods described above further compriseadministering to the subject an effective amount of an anti-angiogenicagent. In certain embodiments, the anti-angiogenic agent is a VEGFantagonist. In certain embodiments, the VEGF antagonist is an anti-VEGFantibody. In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF antibody is bevacizumab.

In certain embodiments, any of the methods described above furthercomprises administering to the subject an effective amount of achemotherapeutic agent. An exemplary and non-limiting list ofchemotherapeutic agents contemplated is provided herein under“Definitions.” In certain embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent isselected from the group consisting of paclitaxel, carboplatin,cisplatin, gemcitabine and pemetrexed.

In certain embodiments, anti-VEGF antibody is administered first to thesubject and then anti-VEGF-C antibody is administered to the subject. Incertain embodiments, anti-VEGF-C antibody and anti-VEGF antibody areadministered simultaneously to the subject. In certain embodiments,anti-VEGF-C antibody, anti-VEGF antibody and chemotherapeutic agent areadministered simultaneously to the subject.

Any embodiment described herein or any combination thereof applies toany and all anti-VEGF-C antibodies and methods of the inventiondescribed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-F: Heavy chain and light chain HVR loop sequences of anti-VEGF-Cantibodies. The figures show the heavy chain HVR sequences, H1, H2, andH3, and light chain HVR sequences, L1, L2 and L3. Sequence numbering isas follows: clone VC1 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5;HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:9; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28;HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.1 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 isSEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:10; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 isSEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.2 (HVR-H1 is SEQ IDNO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:11; HVR-L1 is SEQ IDNO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.3(HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:12;HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29);clone VC1.4 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQID NO:13; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQID NO:29); clone VC1.5 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5;HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:14; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28;HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.6 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 isSEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:15; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 isSEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.7 (HVR-H1 is SEQ IDNO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:16; HVR-L1 is SEQ IDNO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.8(HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:17;HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29);clone VC1.9 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQID NO:18; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQID NO:29); clone VC1.10 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:5;HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:19; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28;HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.11 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 isSEQ ID NO:5; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:20; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 isSEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.12 (HVR-H1 is SEQ IDNO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ IDNO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC1.12.1(HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:21;HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:30);clone VC1.12.2 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3 isSEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 isSEQ ID NO:31); clone VC1.12.3 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ IDNO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ IDNO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:32); clone VC1.12.4 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1;HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27;HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:33); clone VC1.12.5 (HVR-H1is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 isSEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:34); cloneVC1.12.6 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ IDNO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ IDNO:35); VC1.12.8 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3is SEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3is SEQ ID NO:36); clone VC1.12.9 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQID NO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:37); clone VC1.12.10 (HVR-H1 is SEQ IDNO:1; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:6; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:21; HVR-L1 is SEQ IDNO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:38); clone VC3(HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:2; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:7; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:22;HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29);clone VC4 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:3; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:8; HVR-H3 is SEQID NO:23; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQID NO:29); clone VC4.2 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:3; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:8;HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:24; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28;HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); clone VC4.3 (HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:4; HVR-H2 isSEQ ID NO:91; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:23; HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 isSEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:39); clone VC4.4 (HVR-H1 is SEQ IDNO:3; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:8; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:25; HVR-L1 is SEQ IDNO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29); and clone VC4.5(HVR-H1 is SEQ ID NO:3; HVR-H2 is SEQ ID NO:8; HVR-H3 is SEQ ID NO:26;HVR-L1 is SEQ ID NO:27; HVR-L2 is SEQ ID NO:28; HVR-L3 is SEQ ID NO:29).

Amino acid positions are numbered according to the Kabat numberingsystem as described below.

FIGS. 2A & 2B depict exemplary acceptor human consensus frameworksequences for use in practicing the instant invention with sequenceidentifiers as follows:

Variable Heavy (VH) Consensus Frameworks

human VH subgroup I consensus framework minus Kabat CDRs (SEQ ID NO:40)

human VH subgroup I consensus framework minus extended hypervariableregions (SEQ ID NOs:41-43)

human VH subgroup II consensus framework minus Kabat CDRs (SEQ ID NO:44)

human VH subgroup II consensus framework minus extended hypervariableregions (SEQ ID NOs:45-47)

human VH subgroup II consensus framework minus extended

human VH subgroup III consensus framework minus Kabat CDRs (SEQ IDNO:48)

human VH subgroup III consensus framework minus extended hypervariableregions (SEQ ID NOs:49-51)

human VH acceptor framework minus Kabat CDRs (SEQ ID NO:52)

human VH acceptor framework minus extended hypervariable regions (SEQ IDNOs:53-54)

human VH acceptor 2 framework minus Kabat CDRs (SEQ ID NO:55)

human VH acceptor 2 framework minus extended hypervariable regions (SEQID NOs:56-58)

Amino acid positions are numbered according to the Kabat numberingsystem as described below.

FIG. 3 depicts exemplary acceptor human consensus framework sequencesfor use in practicing the instant invention with sequence identifiers asfollows:

Variable Light (VL) Consensus Frameworks

human VL kappa subgroup I consensus framework (SEQ ID NO:59)

human VL kappa subgroup II consensus framework (SEQ ID NO:60)

human VL kappa subgroup III consensus framework (SEQ ID NO:61)

human VL kappa subgroup IV consensus framework (SEQ ID NO:62)

FIG. 4 depicts framework region sequences of huMAb4D5-8 heavy and lightchains. Numbers in superscript/bold indicate amino acid positionsaccording to Kabat.

FIG. 5 depicts modified/variant framework region sequences of huMAb4D5-8heavy and light chains. Numbers in superscript/bold indicate amino acidpositions according to Kabat.

FIG. 6: A. Schematic of VEGF-C including VEGF homology domain (VHD). B.Receptor ligand interactions of the VEGF family of growth factors

FIG. 7: Anti-VEGF-C antibody reduces VEGF-C-induced cellular migrationin vitro. A. LECs migrating in response to 200 ng/ml of mature VEGF-C(R&D Systems) for 18 hours in the presence or absence of anti-VEGF-C (10μg/ml) (n=6 for each condition). B. LECs migrating in response to 200ng/ml of full-length VEGF-C for 18 hours in the presence or absence ofanti-VEGF-C (10 μg/ml) (n=6 for each condition). Error bars representSEM. *=p<0.05.

FIG. 8: Anti-VEGF-C antibody reduces VEGF-C-induced cellularproliferation in vitro. A. LECs proliferation in response to 200 ng/mlof mature VEGF-C (R&D Systems) in the presence or absence of anti-VEGF-C(1 μg/ml) (n=6 for each condition). B. LECs proliferation in response to200 ng/ml of full-length VEGF-C in the presence or absence ofanti-VEGF-C antibody (1 μg/ml) (n=6 for each condition). Error barsrepresent SEM. *=p<0.05.

FIG. 9: Anti-VEGF-C antibody reduces VEGF-C-induced sprouting in vitro.LECs sprouting in a bead sprouting assay in response to 200 ng/ml ofmature VEGF-C(R&D Systems) for 14 days in the presence or absence ofanti-VEGF-C antibody (10 μg/ml). Cultures were stained with anti-LYVE-1antibody to visualize LECs (representative images shown).

FIG. 10: Anti-VEGF-C antibody VC4.5 blocks VEGF-C binding to VEGFR3.Receptor blocking activities comparing the anti-VEGF-C antibody VC4.5 asmurine IgG2a or human IgG1 form. Fixed concentration of biotinconjugated VEGF-C was incubated with serial dilutions of anti-VEGF-Cantibody mVC4.5 (mIgG2a) and anti-VEGF-C antibody hVC4.5 (hIgG1) for 2hours. The unbound VEGF-C was then captured by immobilized VEGFR3-Fc anddetected with strepavidin-HRP conjugate.

FIG. 11: Anti-VEGF-C antibody reduces VEGF-C-induced VEGFR2 activationin vitro. Receptor activation as assessed by pVEGFR2 production inresponse to 10 min of VEGF-A (20 ng/ml) or VEGF-C (200 ng/ml, R&DSystems) stimulation in the presence or absence of anti-VEGF-C antibody(10 μg/ml). Values are normalized to total VEGFR2 levels. pVEGFR2 andtotal VEGFR2 detected using ELISA kits (R&D Systems).

FIG. 12: Comparison of murine and human backbone anti-VEGF-C antibodiesin a proliferation assay. LECs proliferation in response to 200 ng/ml ofmature VEGF-C(R&D Systems) in the presence or absence of different dosesof murine backbone or human backbone anti-VEGF-C antibodies (n=6 foreach condition).

FIG. 13: Anti-VEGF-C antibody reduces VEGF-C-induced function in vivo.Representative images of LYVE-1 stained cornea, denoting lymphatics andFITC-Dextran denoting blood vessels, illustrating the effects ofintracorneal placement of 150 ng pellet of VEGF-C (dotted circle) in thenormally avascular cornea. The staining can be quantified as show in thepanels below—areas to be included as positive in the analysis have beenpseudocolored in the lower panels.

FIG. 14: Anti-VEGF-C antibody reduces VEGF-C-induced function in vivo.Quantification of the pixel counts evaluating (A) angiogenesis and (B)lymphangiogenesis from systemic treatment with anti-VEGF-C antibody (10mg/kg twice weekly). *p<0.05; Error bars represent standard error of themean.

FIG. 15: Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment results in a reduction of tumorangiogenesis in orthotopically grown 66c14 tumors. A. Representativeimages of PECAM-1 stained vessels in 66c14 tumors treated with isotypespecific control (anti-Ragweed) antibody (top), or anti-VEGF-C antibody(bottom). B. Quantification of vascular vessel density was determinedfrom 6 representative images from each of 6 tumors per group, evaluatedfor mean pixel number by ImageJ. *p<0.05; Error bars represent standarderror of the mean.

FIG. 16: Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment results in a reduction of tumorgrowth in 66c14 tumors as a single agent or in combination withanti-VEGF-A.

A. Mean tumor volume graph of 66c14 tumor model study analyzed in FIG.15. Animals were dosed twice weekly i.p. with anti-VEGF-C antibody (10mg/kg) once tumors reached an average size of 100 mm³ and were dosedthroughout the study.

B. Mean tumor volume graph of an independent 66c14 tumor model study.Animals were dosed twice weekly i.p. with anti-VEGF-C (10 mg/kg),anti-VEGF-A antibody (5 mg/kg), or a combination of both agents, oncetumors reached an average size of 100 mm³ and were dosed throughout thestudy.

FIG. 17: Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment results in a increased survivalin H460 tumors as a single agent or in combination with anti-VEGF-Aantibody. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves for groups of animals treatedtwice weekly i.p. with anti-VEGF-C antibody (10 mg/kg), anti-VEGF-Aantibody (5 mg/kg), or a combination of both agents, once tumors reachedan average size of 100 mm³. Tumors were dosed for 5 weeks. Animals wereremoved from the study when tumor volume reached 1000 mm³.

FIG. 18: Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment results in a reduction of tumorangiogenesis in H460 tumors as a single agent or in combination withanti-VEGF-A antibody. A. Representative images of MECA32 stained vesselsin H460 tumors treated with control antibody (top left), anti-VEGF-Aantibody (top right), anti-VEGF-C antibody (bottom left) or combinationof anti-VEGF-A antibody and anti-VEGF-C antibody (bottom right). B.Quantification of vascular vessel density was determined from 6representative images from each of 6 tumors per group, evaluated formean pixel number by ImageJ. Tumors were evaluated at study endpoint.*p<0.05; Error bars represent standard error of the mean.

FIG. 19: Comparison of in vivo efficacy of the murine and human backboneanti-VEGF-C antibodies. Independent 66c14 tumor model studies were runwith either A. murine or B. human backbone anti-VEGF-C antibody. Similartumor growth curves are noted in the different studies suggestingequivalent activity in vivo.

FIG. 20: Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment results in a reduction of lungmetastasis in 66c14 tumors. A. Representative images of lungs fromcontrol (left) and anti-VEGF-C antibody (right) treated animals. Lungswere inflated prior to fixation by right cardiac ventricular perfusion.Nodules are highlighted in white to facilitate visualization. B.Quantification by visual inspection of the number of metastatic nodulesper lung in control and anti-VEGF-C antibody treated animals.

FIG. 21: A. Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment results in a reduction oflung metastasis in 66c14 tumors. Three-dimensional renderings ofrepresentative micro-CT scanned lungs demonstrating metastatic nodules(red) in control and anti-VEGF-C antibody treated animals. B. H&Estaining of a lung nodule (arrow) demonstrating metastatic tumor cells.*p<0.05; Error bars represent standard error of the mean.

FIG. 22: Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment results in a reduction of tumorlymphatic vessels. A. Representative images of LYVE-1 stained lymphaticvessels in 66c14 (top row) and C6 (bottom row) tumors treated withcontrol antibody (left column) or anti-VEGF-C antibody (right column).B. Quantification of lymphatic vessel density was determined from 6representative images from each of 6 tumors per group, evaluated formean pixel number by ImageJ. *p<0.05; Error bars represent standarderror of the mean.

FIG. 23: The L1, L2 and L3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1, VC3 and VC4.

FIG. 24: The H1, H2 and H3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1, VC3 and VC4.

FIG. 25: The L1, L2 and L3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC4, VC4.2, VC4.3, VC4.4 and VC4.5.

FIG. 26: The H1, H2 and H3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC4, VC4.2, VC4.3, VC4.4 and VC4.5.

FIG. 27: The L1, L2 and L3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1, VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3, VC1.4, VC1.5, VC1.6, VC1.7, VC1.8,VC1.9, VC1.10, VC1.11 and VC1.12.

FIG. 28: The H1, H2 and H3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1, VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3, VC1.4, VC1.5, VC1.6, VC1.7, VC1.8,VC1.9, VC1.10, VC1.11 and VC1.12.

FIG. 29: The L1, L2 and L3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1.12, VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2, VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5,VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9 and VC1.12.10.

FIG. 30: The H1, H2 and H3 amino acid sequences for anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1.12, VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2, VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5,VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9 and VC1.12.10.

FIG. 31: Table summarizing binding affinity data of anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1, VC3 and VC4.

FIG. 32: Receptor blocking activities of anti-VEGF-C IgGs VC1, VC3 andVC4. Anti-VEGF-C IgGs VC1, VC3 and VC4 block biotinylated-human VEGF-Cbinding to VEGFR3 coated plate in dose-dependent manner.

FIG. 33: Table summarizing the Phage IC₅₀ data of VC4 affinity improvedvariants (VC4.2, VC4.3, VC4.4 and VC4.5) to human VEGF-C.

FIG. 34: Table summarizing the kinetic binding affinity measurement ofanti-VEGF-C antibody VC4.5 Fab protein and anti-VEGF-C antibody VC4.5IgG to human VEGF-C(R&D systems) and human VEGF-C C137S.

FIG. 35: Table summarizing the Phage IC₅₀ data of VC1 affinity improvedvariants (VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3, VC1.4, VC1.5, VC1.6, VC1.7, VC1.8, VC1.9,VC1.10, VC1.11 and VC1.12) to human VEGF-C.

FIG. 36: Table summarizing the Phage IC₅₀ data of VC1.12 affinityimproved variants (VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2, VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5,VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9 and VC1.12.10) to human VEGF-C C137S.

FIG. 37: Epitope mapping of anti-VEGF-C antibodies. VC4 has differentepitope to VC3 and VC1 series antibodies.

FIG. 38: Depicts the light chain variable regions of anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1.12 and VC4.5.

FIG. 39: Depicts the heavy chain variable regions of anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1.12 and VC4.5.

FIG. 40: Cell proliferation assay—anti-VEGF-C antibodies reduceVEGF-C-induced cellular proliferation in vitro.

FIG. 41: Anti-VEGF-C antibody inhibits VEGF-C mediated phosphorylationof VEGFR3. VEGFR3 phosphorylation level as assayed by the VEGFR3 KIRAassay. VEGF-C (200 ng/ml) was added for 10 min in the presence orabsence of anti-VEGF-C antibody (10 μg/ml) or VEGFR3 ECD (10 μg/ml) toevaluate the induction of the phosphorylation of VEGFR3 (n=6 for eachcondition). *p<0.05; Error bars represent standard error of the mean.

FIG. 42: Treatment with anti-VEGF-C antibody reduced VEGF-C inducedvascular permeability. Quantification of results from mouse skinvascular permeability assay. The quantification was determined from theEvan's blue dye extracted from skin samples in the permeability assay.Animals were treated with anti-VEGF-C antibody (0.5 mg/ml) or VEGFR3 ECD(1.0 mg/ml). Values shown are the average of 6 independent experiments.*p<0.05; Error bars represent standard error of the mean.

FIG. 43: Concomitant inhibition of VEGF-C and VEGF provides additionalbenefit for primary tumor growth stasis. A. Mean tumor growth curve forA549 where ordering of treatments was altered. Treatments wereadministered for the duration as noted by the arrows at 5 mg/kg twiceweekly for anti-VEGF antibody and 10 mg/kg twice weekly for anti-VEGF-Cantibody. B. Mean tumor growth curve and Kaplan Meier curve for H460tumor model treated with control, paclitaxel, anti-VEGF+paclitaxel oranti-VEGF+anti-VEGF-C+paclitaxel. Treatments were administered at 5mg/kg twice weekly for anti-VEGF antibody and 10 mg/kg twice weekly foranti-VEGF-C antibody for 5 weeks each and 30 mg/kg every other day for10 days for paclitaxel.

FIG. 44: Comparison of in vivo efficacy of the mouse backboneanti-VEGF-C antibodies using 66c14 tumor model.

FIG. 45: Comparison of anti-VEGF-C antibodies in a proliferation assay.LECs proliferation in response to 200 ng/ml of mature VEGF-C in thepresence or absence of different doses of anti-VEGF-C antibodies.

FIG. 46: Anti-VEGF-C treatment results in a reduction of number ofmetastatic tumor lesions in mice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein provides isolated antibodies that bind to VEGF-C,that are useful for, e.g., diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseasestates associated with activity of VEGF-C. Pharmaceutical compositionsas well as methods of treatment are also provided. In some embodiments,the antibodies of the invention are used to treat a tumor, a cancer,and/or a cell proliferative disorder. In some embodiments, theantibodies of the invention are used to treat a pathological conditionassociated with lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis.

In another aspect, the anti-VEGF-C antibodies of the invention findutility as reagents for detection and/or isolation of VEGF-C, such asdetection of VEGF-C in various tissues and cell type.

The invention further provides methods of making anti-VEGF-C antibodies,and polynucleotides encoding anti-VEGF-C antibodies.

General Techniques

The techniques and procedures described or referenced herein aregenerally well understood and commonly employed using conventionalmethodology by those skilled in the art, such as, for example, thewidely utilized methodologies described in Sambrook et al., MolecularCloning: A Laboratory Manual 3rd. edition (2001) Cold Spring HarborLaboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. CURRENT PROTOCOLS INMOLECULAR BIOLOGY (F. M. Ausubel, et al. eds., (2003)); the seriesMETHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY (Academic Press, Inc.): PCR 2: A PRACTICALAPPROACH (M. J. MacPherson, B. D. Hames and G. R. Taylor eds. (1995)),Harlow and Lane, eds. (1988) ANTIBODIES, A LABORATORY MANUAL, and ANIMALCELL CULTURE (R. I. Freshney, ed. (1987)); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M.J. Gait, ed., 1984); Methods in Molecular Biology, Humana Press; CellBiology: A Laboratory Notebook (J. E. Cellis, ed., 1998) Academic Press;Animal Cell Culture (R. I. Freshney), ed., 1987); Introduction to Celland Tissue Culture (J. P. Mather and P. E. Roberts, 1998) Plenum Press;Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory Procedures (A. Doyle, J. B.Griffiths, and D. G. Newell, eds., 1993-8) J. Wiley and Sons; Handbookof Experimental Immunology (D. M. Weir and C. C. Blackwell, eds.); GeneTransfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells (J. M. Miller and M. P. Calos,eds., 1987); PCR: The Polymerase Chain Reaction, (Mullis et al., eds.,1994); Current Protocols in Immunology (J. E. Coligan et al., eds.,1991); Short Protocols in Molecular Biology (Wiley and Sons, 1999);Immunobiology (C. A. Janeway and P. Travers, 1997); Antibodies (P.Finch, 1997); Antibodies: A Practical Approach (D. Catty., ed., IRLPress, 1988-1989); Monoclonal Antibodies: A Practical Approach (P.Shepherd and C. Dean, eds., Oxford University Press, 2000); UsingAntibodies: A Laboratory Manual (E. Harlow and D. Lane (Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, 1999); The Antibodies (M. Zanetti and J. D.Capra, eds., Harwood Academic Publishers, 1995); and Cancer: Principlesand Practice of Oncology (V. T. DeVita et al., eds., J.B. LippincottCompany, 1993).

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of interpreting this specification, the followingdefinitions will apply and whenever appropriate, terms used in thesingular will also include the plural and vice versa. In the event thatany definition set forth below conflicts with any document incorporatedherein by reference, the definition set forth below shall control.

The term “antibody” herein is used in the broadest sense and encompassesvarious immunoglobulin structures, including but not limited tomonoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies,and antibody fragments so long as they exhibit the desiredantigen-binding activity.

The term “monoclonal antibody” as used herein refers to an antibodyobtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies,i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identicalexcept for possible mutations, e.g., naturally occurring mutations, thatmay be present in minor amounts. Thus, the modifier “monoclonal”indicates the character of the antibody as not being a mixture ofdiscrete antibodies. In certain embodiments, such a monoclonal antibodytypically includes an antibody comprising a polypeptide sequence thatbinds a target, wherein the target-binding polypeptide sequence wasobtained by a process that includes the selection of a single targetbinding polypeptide sequence from a plurality of polypeptide sequences.For example, the selection process can be the selection of a uniqueclone from a plurality of clones, such as a pool of hybridoma clones,phage clones, or recombinant DNA clones. It should be understood that aselected target binding sequence can be further altered, for example, toimprove affinity for the target, to humanize the target bindingsequence, to improve its production in cell culture, to reduce itsimmunogenicity in vivo, to create a multispecific antibody, etc., andthat an antibody comprising the altered target binding sequence is alsoa monoclonal antibody of this invention. In contrast to polyclonalantibody preparations, which typically include different antibodiesdirected against different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonalantibody of a monoclonal antibody preparation is directed against asingle determinant on an antigen. In addition to their specificity,monoclonal antibody preparations are advantageous in that they aretypically uncontaminated by other immunoglobulins.

The modifier “monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody asbeing obtained from a substantially homogeneous population ofantibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of theantibody by any particular method. For example, the monoclonalantibodies to be used in accordance with the present invention may bemade by a variety of techniques, including, for example, the hybridomamethod (e.g., Kohler and Milstein, Nature, 256:495-97 (1975); Hongo etal., Hybridoma, 14 (3): 253-260 (1995), Harlow et al., Antibodies: ALaboratory Manual, (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2nd ed. 1988);Hammerling et al., in: Monoclonal Antibodies and T-Cell Hybridomas563-681 (Elsevier, N.Y., 1981)), recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567), phage-display technologies (see, e.g.,Clackson et al., Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol.Biol. 222: 581-597 (1992); Sidhu et al., J. Mol. Biol. 338(2): 299-310(2004); Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. 340(5): 1073-1093 (2004); Fellouse,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101(34): 12467-12472 (2004); and Lee et al.,J. Immunol. Methods 284(1-2): 119-132 (2004), and technologies forproducing human or human-like antibodies in animals that have parts orall of the human immunoglobulin loci or genes encoding humanimmunoglobulin sequences (see, e.g., WO 1998/24893; WO 1996/34096; WO1996/33735; WO 1991/10741; Jakobovits et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA90: 2551 (1993); Jakobovits et al., Nature 362: 255-258 (1993);Bruggemann et al., Year in Immunol. 7:33 (1993); U.S. Pat. Nos.5,545,807; 5,545,806; 5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; and 5,661,016;Marks et al., Bio/Technology 10: 779-783 (1992); Lonberg et al., Nature368: 856-859 (1994); Morrison, Nature 368: 812-813 (1994); Fishwild etal., Nature Biotechnol. 14: 845-851 (1996); Neuberger, NatureBiotechnol. 14: 826 (1996); and Lonberg and Huszar, Intern. Rev.Immunol. 13: 65-93 (1995).

The monoclonal antibodies herein specifically include “chimeric”antibodies in which a portion of the heavy and/or light chain isidentical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodiesderived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibodyclass or subclass, while the remainder of the chain(s) is identical withor homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived fromanother species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, aswell as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit thedesired biological activity (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; andMorrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855 (1984)).Chimeric antibodies include PRIMATIZED® antibodies wherein theantigen-binding region of the antibody is derived from an antibodyproduced by, e.g., immunizing macaque monkeys with the antigen ofinterest.

“Humanized” forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are chimericantibodies that contain minimal sequence derived from non-humanimmunoglobulin. In one embodiment, a humanized antibody is a humanimmunoglobulin (recipient antibody) in which residues from a HVR of therecipient are replaced by residues from a HVR of a non-human species(donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, rabbit, or nonhuman primate havingthe desired specificity, affinity, and/or capacity. In some instances,FR residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by correspondingnon-human residues. Furthermore, humanized antibodies may compriseresidues that are not found in the recipient antibody or in the donorantibody. These modifications may be made to further refine antibodyperformance. In general, a humanized antibody will comprisesubstantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains,in which all or substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspondto those of a non-human immunoglobulin, and all or substantially all ofthe FRs are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanizedantibody optionally will also comprise at least a portion of animmunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a humanimmunoglobulin. For further details, see, e.g., Jones et al., Nature321:522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature 332:323-329 (1988); andPresta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2:593-596 (1992). See also, e.g.,Vaswani and Hamilton, Ann. Allergy, Asthma & Immunol. 1:105-115 (1998);Harris, Biochem. Soc. Transactions 23:1035-1038 (1995); Hurle and Gross,Curr. Op. Biotech. 5:428-433 (1994); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,982,321 and7,087,409.

A “human antibody” is one which possesses an amino acid sequence whichcorresponds to that of an antibody produced by a human and/or has beenmade using any of the techniques for making human antibodies asdisclosed herein. This definition of a human antibody specificallyexcludes a humanized antibody comprising non-human antigen-bindingresidues. Human antibodies can be produced using various techniquesknown in the art, including phage-display libraries. Hoogenboom andWinter, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol.,222:581 (1991). Also available for the preparation of human monoclonalantibodies are methods described in Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodiesand Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, p. 77 (1985); Boerner et al., J.Immunol., 147(1):86-95 (1991). See also van Dijk and van de Winkel,Curr. Opin. Pharmacol., 5: 368-74 (2001). Human antibodies can beprepared by administering the antigen to a transgenic animal that hasbeen modified to produce such antibodies in response to antigenicchallenge, but whose endogenous loci have been disabled, e.g., immunizedxenomice (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,075,181 and 6,150,584 regardingXENOMOUSE™ technology). See also, for example, Li et al., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA, 103:3557-3562 (2006) regarding human antibodiesgenerated via a human B-cell hybridoma technology.

A “species-dependent antibody” is one which has a stronger bindingaffinity for an antigen from a first mammalian species than it has for ahomologue of that antigen from a second mammalian species. Normally, thespecies-dependent antibody “binds specifically” to a human antigen (i.e.has a binding affinity (K_(d)) value of no more than about 1×10⁻⁷ M,preferably no more than about 1×10⁻⁸ M and most preferably no more thanabout 1×10⁻⁹ M) but has a binding affinity for a homologue of theantigen from a second nonhuman mammalian species which is at least about50 fold, or at least about 500 fold, or at least about 1000 fold, weakerthan its binding affinity for the human antigen. The species-dependentantibody can be any of the various types of antibodies as defined above,but preferably is a humanized or human antibody.

As used herein, “antibody mutant” or “antibody variant” refers to anamino acid sequence variant of the species-dependent antibody whereinone or more of the amino acid residues of the species-dependent antibodyhave been modified. Such mutants necessarily have less than 100%sequence identity or similarity with the species-dependent antibody. Inone embodiment, the antibody mutant will have an amino acid sequencehaving at least 75% amino acid sequence identity or similarity with theamino acid sequence of either the heavy or light chain variable domainof the species-dependent antibody, in another embodiment at least 80%,in another embodiment at least 85%, in another embodiment at least 90%,and yet in another embodiment at least 95%. Identity or similarity withrespect to this sequence is defined herein as the percentage of aminoacid residues in the candidate sequence that are identical (i.e. sameresidue) or similar (i.e. amino acid residue from the same group basedon common side-chain properties, see below) with the species-dependentantibody residues, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, ifnecessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity. None ofN-terminal, C-terminal, or internal extensions, deletions, or insertionsinto the antibody sequence outside of the variable domain shall beconstrued as affecting sequence identity or similarity.

An “isolated” antibody is one which has been identified and separatedand/or recovered from a component of its natural environment.Contaminant components of its natural environment are materials whichwould interfere with research, diagnostic or therapeutic uses for theantibody, and may include enzymes, hormones, and other proteinaceous ornonproteinaceous solutes. In some embodiments, an antibody is purified(1) to greater than 95% by weight of antibody as determined by, forexample, the Lowry method, and in some embodiments, to greater than 99%by weight; (2) to a degree sufficient to obtain at least 15 residues ofN-terminal or internal amino acid sequence by use of, for example, aspinning cup sequenator, or (3) to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE underreducing or nonreducing conditions using, for example, Coomassie blue orsilver stain. Isolated antibody includes the antibody in situ withinrecombinant cells since at least one component of the antibody's naturalenvironment will not be present. Ordinarily, however, isolated antibodywill be prepared by at least one purification step.

“Native antibodies” are usually heterotetrameric glycoproteins of about150,000 daltons, composed of two identical light (L) chains and twoidentical heavy (H) chains. Each light chain is linked to a heavy chainby one covalent disulfide bond, while the number of disulfide linkagesvaries among the heavy chains of different immunoglobulin isotypes. Eachheavy and light chain also has regularly spaced intrachain disulfidebridges. Each heavy chain has at one end a variable domain (V_(H))followed by a number of constant domains. Each light chain has avariable domain at one end (V_(L)) and a constant domain at its otherend; the constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the firstconstant domain of the heavy chain, and the light chain variable domainis aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain. Particular aminoacid residues are believed to form an interface between the light chainand heavy chain variable domains.

The “variable region” or “variable domain” of an antibody refers to theamino-terminal domains of the heavy or light chain of the antibody. Thevariable domain of the heavy chain may be referred to as “VH.” Thevariable domain of the light chain may be referred to as “VL.” Thesedomains are generally the most variable parts of an antibody and containthe antigen-binding sites.

The term “variable” refers to the fact that certain portions of thevariable domains differ extensively in sequence among antibodies and areused in the binding and specificity of each particular antibody for itsparticular antigen. However, the variability is not evenly distributedthroughout the variable domains of antibodies. It is concentrated inthree segments called hypervariable regions (HVRs) both in thelight-chain and the heavy-chain variable domains. The more highlyconserved portions of variable domains are called the framework regions(FR). The variable domains of native heavy and light chains eachcomprise four FR regions, largely adopting a beta-sheet configuration,connected by three HVRs, which form loops connecting, and in some casesforming part of, the beta-sheet structure. The HVRs in each chain areheld together in close proximity by the FR regions and, with the HVRsfrom the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-bindingsite of antibodies (see Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins ofImmunological Interest, Fifth Edition, National Institute of Health,Bethesda, Md. (1991)). The constant domains are not involved directly inthe binding of an antibody to an antigen, but exhibit various effectorfunctions, such as participation of the antibody in antibody-dependentcellular toxicity.

The “light chains” of antibodies (immunoglobulins) from any vertebratespecies can be assigned to one of two clearly distinct types, calledkappa (κ) and lambda (λ), based on the amino acid sequences of theirconstant domains.

Depending on the amino acid sequences of the constant domains of theirheavy chains, antibodies (immunoglobulins) can be assigned to differentclasses. There are five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE,IgG, and IgM, and several of these may be further divided intosubclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃, IgG₄, IgA₁, and IgA₂. Theheavy chain constant domains that correspond to the different classes ofimmunoglobulins are called α, δ, ε, γ, and μ, respectively. The subunitstructures and three-dimensional configurations of different classes ofimmunoglobulins are well known and described generally in, for example,Abbas et al. Cellular and Mol. Immunology, 4th ed. (W.B. Saunders, Co.,2000). An antibody may be part of a larger fusion molecule, formed bycovalent or non-covalent association of the antibody with one or moreother proteins or peptides.

The terms “full length antibody,” “intact antibody” and “whole antibody”are used herein interchangeably to refer to an antibody in itssubstantially intact form, not antibody fragments as defined below. Theterms particularly refer to an antibody with heavy chains that containan Fc region.

A “naked antibody” for the purposes herein is an antibody that is notconjugated to a cytotoxic moiety or radiolabel.

“Antibody fragments” comprise a portion of an intact antibody,preferably comprising the antigen binding region thereof. Examples ofantibody fragments include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, and Fv fragments;diabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules; andmultispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments.

Papain digestion of antibodies produces two identical antigen-bindingfragments, called “Fab” fragments, each with a single antigen-bindingsite, and a residual “Fc” fragment, whose name reflects its ability tocrystallize readily. Pepsin treatment yields an F(ab′)₂ fragment thathas two antigen-combining sites and is still capable of cross-linkingantigen.

“Fv” is the minimum antibody fragment which contains a completeantigen-binding site. In one embodiment, a two-chain Fv species consistsof a dimer of one heavy- and one light-chain variable domain in tight,non-covalent association. In a single-chain Fv (scFv) species, oneheavy- and one light-chain variable domain can be covalently linked by aflexible peptide linker such that the light and heavy chains canassociate in a “dimeric” structure analogous to that in a two-chain Fvspecies. It is in this configuration that the three HVRs of eachvariable domain interact to define an antigen-binding site on thesurface of the VH-VL dimer. Collectively, the six HVRs conferantigen-binding specificity to the antibody. However, even a singlevariable domain (or half of an Fv comprising only three HVRs specificfor an antigen) has the ability to recognize and bind antigen, althoughat a lower affinity than the entire binding site.

The Fab fragment contains the heavy- and light-chain variable domainsand also contains the constant domain of the light chain and the firstconstant domain (CH1) of the heavy chain. Fab′ fragments differ from Fabfragments by the addition of a few residues at the carboxy terminus ofthe heavy chain CH1 domain including one or more cysteines from theantibody hinge region. Fab′-SH is the designation herein for Fab′ inwhich the cysteine residue(s) of the constant domains bear a free thiolgroup. F(ab′)₂ antibody fragments originally were produced as pairs ofFab′ fragments which have hinge cysteines between them. Other chemicalcouplings of antibody fragments are also known.

“Single-chain Fv” or “scFv” antibody fragments comprise the VH and VLdomains of antibody, wherein these domains are present in a singlepolypeptide chain. Generally, the scFv polypeptide further comprises apolypeptide linker between the VH and VL domains which enables the scFvto form the desired structure for antigen binding. For a review of scFv,see, e.g., Pluckthün, in The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, vol.113, Rosenburg and Moore eds., (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1994), pp.269-315.

The term “diabodies” refers to antibody fragments with twoantigen-binding sites, which fragments comprise a heavy-chain variabledomain (VH) connected to a light-chain variable domain (VL) in the samepolypeptide chain (VH-VL). By using a linker that is too short to allowpairing between the two domains on the same chain, the domains areforced to pair with the complementary domains of another chain andcreate two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies may be bivalent orbispecific. Diabodies are described more fully in, for example, EP404,097; WO 1993/01161; Hudson et al., Nat. Med. 9:129-134 (2003); andHollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 6444-6448 (1993).Triabodies and tetrabodies are also described in Hudson et al., Nat.Med. 9:129-134 (2003).

The term “hypervariable region,” “HVR,” or “HV,” when used herein refersto the regions of an antibody variable domain which are hypervariable insequence and/or form structurally defined loops. Generally, antibodiescomprise six HVRs; three in the VH (H1, H2, H3), and three in the VL(L1, L2, L3). In native antibodies, H3 and L3 display the most diversityof the six HVRs, and H3 in particular is believed to play a unique rolein conferring fine specificity to antibodies. See, e.g., Xu et al.,Immunity 13:37-45 (2000); Johnson and Wu, in Methods in MolecularBiology 248:1-25 (Lo, ed., Human Press, Totowa, N.J., 2003). Indeed,naturally occurring camelid antibodies consisting of a heavy chain onlyare functional and stable in the absence of light chain. See, e.g.,Hamers-Casterman et al., Nature 363:446-448 (1993); Sheriff et al.,Nature Struct. Biol. 3:733-736 (1996).

A number of HVR delineations are in use and are encompassed herein. TheKabat Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) are based on sequencevariability and are the most commonly used (Kabat et al., Sequences ofProteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service,National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991)). Chothia refersinstead to the location of the structural loops (Chothia and Lesk J.Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987)). The AbM HVRs represent a compromisebetween the Kabat HVRs and Chothia structural loops, and are used byOxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software. The “contact” HVRsare based on an analysis of the available complex crystal structures.The residues from each of these HVRs are noted below.

Loop Kabat AbM Chothia Contact L1 L24-L34 L24-L34 L26-L32 L30-L36 L2L50-L56 L50-L56 L50-L52 L46-L55 L3 L89-L97 L89-L97 L91-L96 L89-L96 H1H31-H35B H26-H35B H26-H32 H30-H35B (Kabat Numbering) H1 H31-H35 H26-H35H26-H32 H30-H35 (Chothia Numbering) H2 H50-H65 H50-H58 H53-H55 H47-H58H3 H95-H102 H95-H102 H96-H101 H93-H101

HVRs may comprise “extended HVRs” as follows: 24-36 or 24-34 (L1), 46-56or 50-56 (L2) and 89-97 or 89-96 (L3) in the VL and 26-35 (H1), 50-65 or49-65 (H2) and 93-102, 94-102, or 95-102 (H3) in the VH. The variabledomain residues are numbered according to Kabat et al., supra, for eachof these definitions.

“Framework” or “FR” residues are those variable domain residues otherthan the HVR residues as herein defined.

The term “variable domain residue numbering as in Kabat” or “amino acidposition numbering as in Kabat,” and variations thereof, refers to thenumbering system used for heavy chain variable domains or light chainvariable domains of the compilation of antibodies in Kabat et al.,supra. Using this numbering system, the actual linear amino acidsequence may contain fewer or additional amino acids corresponding to ashortening of, or insertion into, a FR or HVR of the variable domain.For example, a heavy chain variable domain may include a single aminoacid insert (residue 52a according to Kabat) after residue 52 of H2 andinserted residues (e.g. residues 82a, 82b, and 82c, etc. according toKabat) after heavy chain FR residue 82. The Kabat numbering of residuesmay be determined for a given antibody by alignment at regions ofhomology of the sequence of the antibody with a “standard” Kabatnumbered sequence.

The Kabat numbering system is generally used when referring to a residuein the variable domain (approximately residues 1-107 of the light chainand residues 1-113 of the heavy chain) (e.g., Kabat et al., Sequences ofImmunological Interest. 5th Ed. Public Health Service, NationalInstitutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991)). The “EU numbering system”or “EU index” is generally used when referring to a residue in animmunoglobulin heavy chain constant region (e.g., the EU index reportedin Kabat et al., supra). The “EU index as in Kabat” refers to theresidue numbering of the human IgG1 EU antibody. Unless stated otherwiseherein, references to residue numbers in the variable domain ofantibodies means residue numbering by the Kabat numbering system. Unlessstated otherwise herein, references to residue numbers in the constantdomain of antibodies means residue numbering by the EU numbering system(e.g., see United States Publication No. 2008/0181888, Figures for EUnumbering).

The term “multispecific antibody” is used in the broadest sense andspecifically covers an antibody that has polyepitopic specificity. Suchmultispecific antibodies include, but are not limited to, an antibodycomprising a heavy chain variable domain (V_(H)) and a light chainvariable domain (V_(L)), wherein the V_(H)V_(L) unit has polyepitopicspecificity, antibodies having two or more V_(L) and V_(H) domains witheach V_(H)V_(L) unit binding to a different epitope, antibodies havingtwo or more single variable domains with each single variable domainbinding to a different epitope, full length antibodies, antibodyfragments such as Fab, Fv, dsFv, scFv, diabodies, bispecific diabodiesand triabodies and antibody fragments that have been linked covalentlyor non-covalently. According to one embodiment the multispecificantibody is an IgG antibody that binds to each epitope with an affinityof 5 μM to 0.001 pM, 3 μM to 0.001 pM, 1 μM to 0.001 pM, 0.5 μM to 0.001pM, or 0.1 μM to 0.001 pM.

“Polyepitopic specificity” refers to the ability to specifically bind totwo or more different epitopes on the same or different antigen(s). Forexample, “bispecific” as used herein refers to the ability to bind twodifferent epitopes. “Monospecific” refers to the ability to bind onlyone epitope.

The expression “single domain antibodies” (sdAbs) or “single variabledomain (SVD) antibodies” generally refers to antibodies in which asingle variable domain (V_(H) or V_(L)) can confer antigen binding. Inother words, the single variable domain does not need to interact withanother variable domain in order to recognize the target antigen.Examples of single domain antibodies include those derived from camelids(lamas and camels) and cartilaginous fish (e.g., nurse sharks) and thosederived from recombinant methods from humans and mouse antibodies(Nature (1989) 341:544-546; Dev Comp Immunol (2006) 30:43-56; TrendBiochem Sci (2001) 26:230-235; Trends Biotechnol (2003):21:484-490; WO2005/035572; WO 03/035694; Febs Lett (1994) 339:285-290; WO00/29004; WO02/051870).

The expression “linear antibodies” generally refers to the antibodiesdescribed in Zapata et al., Protein Eng. 8(10):1057-1062 (1995).Briefly, these antibodies comprise a pair of tandem Fd segments(V_(H)-C_(H)1-V_(H)-C_(H)1) which, together with complementary lightchain polypeptides, form a pair of antigen binding regions. Linearantibodies can be bispecific or monospecific.

An “affinity matured” antibody is one with one or more alterations inone or more HVRs thereof which result in an improvement in the affinityof the antibody for antigen, compared to a parent antibody which doesnot possess those alteration(s). In one embodiment, an affinity maturedantibody has nanomolar or even picomolar affinities for the targetantigen. Affinity matured antibodies may be produced using certainprocedures known in the art. For example, Marks et al. Bio/Technology10:779-783 (1992) describes affinity maturation by VH and VL domainshuffling. Random mutagenesis of HVR and/or framework residues isdescribed by, for example, Barbas et al. Proc Nat. Acad. Sci. USA91:3809-3813 (1994); Schier et al. Gene 169:147-155 (1995); Yelton etal. J. Immunol. 155:1994-2004 (1995); Jackson et al., J. Immunol.154(7):3310-9 (1995); and Hawkins et al, J. Mol. Biol. 226:889-896(1992).

A “blocking” antibody or an “antagonist” antibody is one which inhibitsor reduces biological activity of the antigen it binds. Certain blockingantibodies or antagonist antibodies substantially or completely inhibitthe biological activity of the antigen.

An “agonist antibody,” as used herein, is an antibody which partially orfully mimics at least one of the functional activities of a polypeptideof interest.

“Growth inhibitory” antibodies are those that prevent or reduceproliferation of a cell expressing an antigen to which the antibodybinds.

Antibody “effector functions” refer to those biological activitiesattributable to the Fc region (a native sequence Fc region or amino acidsequence variant Fc region) of an antibody, and vary with the antibodyisotype. Examples of antibody effector functions include: C1q bindingand complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC); Fc receptor binding;antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC); phagocytosis; downregulation of cell surface receptors (e.g. B cell receptor); and B cellactivation.

The term “Fc region” herein is used to define a C-terminal region of animmunoglobulin heavy chain, including native sequence Fc regions andvariant Fc regions. Although the boundaries of the Fc region of animmunoglobulin heavy chain might vary, the human IgG heavy chain Fcregion is usually defined to stretch from an amino acid residue atposition Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus thereof. TheC-terminal lysine (residue 447 according to the EU numbering system) ofthe Fc region may be removed, for example, during production orpurification of the antibody, or by recombinantly engineering thenucleic acid encoding a heavy chain of the antibody. Accordingly, acomposition of intact antibodies may comprise antibody populations withall K447 residues removed, antibody populations with no K447 residuesremoved, and antibody populations having a mixture of antibodies withand without the K447 residue.

A “functional Fc region” possesses an “effector function” of a nativesequence Fc region. Exemplary “effector functions” include C1q binding;CDC; Fc receptor binding; ADCC; phagocytosis; down regulation of cellsurface receptors (e.g. B cell receptor; BCR), etc. Such effectorfunctions generally require the Fc region to be combined with a bindingdomain (e.g., an antibody variable domain) and can be assessed usingvarious assays as disclosed, for example, in definitions herein.

A “native sequence Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence identicalto the amino acid sequence of an Fc region found in nature. Nativesequence human Fc regions include a native sequence human IgG1 Fc region(non-A and A allotypes); native sequence human IgG2 Fc region; nativesequence human IgG3 Fc region; and native sequence human IgG4 Fc regionas well as naturally occurring variants thereof.

A “variant Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence which differsfrom that of a native sequence Fc region by virtue of at least one aminoacid modification, preferably one or more amino acid substitution(s).Preferably, the variant Fc region has at least one amino acidsubstitution compared to a native sequence Fc region or to the Fc regionof a parent polypeptide, e.g. from about one to about ten amino acidsubstitutions, and preferably from about one to about five amino acidsubstitutions in a native sequence Fc region or in the Fc region of theparent polypeptide. The variant Fc region herein will preferably possessat least about 80% homology with a native sequence Fc region and/or withan Fc region of a parent polypeptide, and most preferably at least about90% homology therewith, more preferably at least about 95% homologytherewith.

“Fc receptor” or “FcR” describes a receptor that binds to the Fc regionof an antibody. In some embodiments, an FcR is a native human FcR. Insome embodiments, an FcR is one which binds an IgG antibody (a gammareceptor) and includes receptors of the FcγRI, FcγRII, and FcγRIIIsubclasses, including allelic variants and alternatively spliced formsof those receptors. FcγRII receptors include FcγRIIA (an “activatingreceptor”) and FcγRIIB (an “inhibiting receptor”), which have similaramino acid sequences that differ primarily in the cytoplasmic domainsthereof. Activating receptor FcγRIIA contains an immunoreceptortyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in its cytoplasmic domain.Inhibiting receptor FcγRIIB contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-basedinhibition motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic domain. (see, e.g., Daëron,Annu. Rev. Immunol. 15:203-234 (1997)). FcRs are reviewed, for example,in Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol 9:457-92 (1991); Capel et al.,Immunomethods 4:25-34 (1994); and de Haas et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med.126:330-41 (1995). Other FcRs, including those to be identified in thefuture, are encompassed by the term “FcR” herein.

The term “Fc receptor” or “FcR” also includes the neonatal receptor,FcRn, which is responsible for the transfer of maternal IgGs to thefetus (Guyer et al., J. Immunol. 117:587 (1976) and Kim et al., J.Immunol. 24:249 (1994)) and regulation of homeostasis ofimmunoglobulins. Methods of measuring binding to FcRn are known (see,e.g., Ghetie and Ward., Immunol. Today 18(12):592-598 (1997); Ghetie etal., Nature Biotechnology, 15(7):637-640 (1997); Hinton et al., J. Biol.Chem. 279(8):6213-6216 (2004); WO 2004/92219 (Hinton et al.).

Binding to human FcRn in vivo and serum half life of human FcRn highaffinity binding polypeptides can be assayed, e.g., in transgenic miceor transfected human cell lines expressing human FcRn, or in primates towhich the polypeptides with a variant Fc region are administered. WO2000/42072 (Presta) describes antibody variants with improved ordiminished binding to FcRs. See also, e.g., Shields et al. J. Biol.Chem. 9(2):6591-6604 (2001).

“Human effector cells” are leukocytes which express one or more FcRs andperform effector functions. In certain embodiments, the cells express atleast FcγRIII and perform ADCC effector function(s). Examples of humanleukocytes which mediate ADCC include peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC), natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, cytotoxic T cells, andneutrophils. The effector cells may be isolated from a native source,e.g., from blood.

“Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity” or “ADCC” refers to aform of cytotoxicity in which secreted Ig bound onto Fc receptors (FcRs)present on certain cytotoxic cells (e.g. NK cells, neutrophils, andmacrophages) enable these cytotoxic effector cells to bind specificallyto an antigen-bearing target cell and subsequently kill the target cellwith cytotoxins. The primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, expressFcγRIII only, whereas monocytes express FcγRI, FcγRII, and FcγRIII. FcRexpression on hematopoietic cells is summarized in Table 3 on page 464of Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol 9:457-92 (1991). To assess ADCCactivity of a molecule of interest, an in vitro ADCC assay, such as thatdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,362 or 5,821,337 or U.S. Pat. No.6,737,056 (Presta), may be performed. Useful effector cells for suchassays include PBMC and NK cells. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCCactivity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g., inan animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al. PNAS (USA)95:652-656 (1998).

“Complement dependent cytotoxicity” or “CDC” refers to the lysis of atarget cell in the presence of complement. Activation of the classicalcomplement pathway is initiated by the binding of the first component ofthe complement system (C1q) to antibodies (of the appropriate subclass),which are bound to their cognate antigen. To assess complementactivation, a CDC assay, e.g., as described in Gazzano-Santoro et al.,J. Immunol. Methods 202:163 (1996), may be performed. Polypeptidevariants with altered Fc region amino acid sequences (polypeptides witha variant Fc region) and increased or decreased C1q binding capabilityare described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,551 B1 and WO 1999/51642.See also, e.g., Idusogie et al. J. Immunol. 164: 4178-4184 (2000).

The term “Fc region-comprising antibody” refers to an antibody thatcomprises an Fc region. The C-terminal lysine (residue 447 according tothe EU numbering system) of the Fc region may be removed, for example,during purification of the antibody or by recombinant engineering of thenucleic acid encoding the antibody. Accordingly, a compositioncomprising an antibody having an Fc region according to this inventioncan comprise an antibody with K447, with all K447 removed, or a mixtureof antibodies with and without the K447 residue.

“Binding affinity” generally refers to the strength of the sum total ofnoncovalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule(e.g., an antibody) and its binding partner (e.g., an antigen). Unlessindicated otherwise, as used herein, “binding affinity” refers tointrinsic binding affinity which reflects a 1:1 interaction betweenmembers of a binding pair (e.g., antibody and antigen). The affinity ofa molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by thedissociation constant (Kd). Affinity can be measured by common methodsknown in the art, including those described herein. Low-affinityantibodies generally bind antigen slowly and tend to dissociate readily,whereas high-affinity antibodies generally bind antigen faster and tendto remain bound longer. A variety of methods of measuring bindingaffinity are known in the art, any of which can be used for purposes ofthe present invention. Specific illustrative and exemplary embodimentsfor measuring binding affinity are described in the following.

In one embodiment, the “Kd” or “Kd value” according to this invention ismeasured by a radiolabeled antigen binding assay (RIA) performed withthe Fab version of an antibody of interest and its antigen as describedby the following assay. Solution binding affinity of Fabs for antigen ismeasured by equilibrating Fab with a minimal concentration of(¹²⁵I)-labeled antigen in the presence of a titration series ofunlabeled antigen, then capturing bound antigen with an anti-Fabantibody-coated plate (see, e.g., Chen, et al., J. Mol. Biol.293:865-881 (1999)). To establish conditions for the assay, MICROTITER®multi-well plates (Thermo Scientific) are coated overnight with 5 μg/mlof a capturing anti-Fab antibody (Cappel Labs) in 50 mM sodium carbonate(pH 9.6), and subsequently blocked with 2% (w/v) bovine serum albumin inPBS for two to five hours at room temperature (approximately 23° C.). Ina non-adsorbent plate (Nunc #269620), 100 pM or 26 pM [¹²⁵I]-antigen aremixed with serial dilutions of a Fab of interest (e.g., consistent withassessment of the anti-VEGF antibody, Fab-12, in Presta et al., CancerRes. 57:4593-4599 (1997)). The Fab of interest is then incubatedovernight; however, the incubation may continue for a longer period(e.g., about 65 hours) to ensure that equilibrium is reached.Thereafter, the mixtures are transferred to the capture plate forincubation at room temperature (e.g., for one hour). The solution isthen removed and the plate washed eight times with 0.1% TWEEN-20™ inPBS. When the plates have dried, 150 μl/well of scintillant(MICROSCINT-20™; Packard) is added, and the plates are counted on aTOPCOUNT™ gamma counter (Packard) for ten minutes. Concentrations ofeach Fab that give less than or equal to 20% of maximal binding arechosen for use in competitive binding assays.

According to another embodiment, the Kd or Kd value is measured by usingsurface plasmon resonance assays using a BIACORE®-2000 or aBIACORE®-3000 (BIAcore, Inc., Piscataway, N.J.) at 25° C. withimmobilized antigen CM5 chips at ˜10 response units (RU). Briefly,carboxymethylated dextran biosensor chips (CM5, BIACORE, Inc.) areactivated with N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimidehydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) according to thesupplier's instructions. Antigen is diluted with 10 mM sodium acetate,pH 4.8, to 5 μg/ml (˜0.2 μM) before injection at a flow rate of 5μl/minute to achieve approximately 10 response units (RU) of coupledprotein. Following the injection of antigen, 1 M ethanolamine isinjected to block unreacted groups. For kinetics measurements, two-foldserial dilutions of Fab (0.78 nM to 500 nM) are injected in PBS with0.05% TWEEN-20™ surfactant (PBST) at 25° C. at a flow rate ofapproximately 25 μl/min. Association rates (k_(on)) and dissociationrates (k_(off)) are calculated using a simple one-to-one Langmuirbinding model (BIACORE® Evaluation Software version 3.2) bysimultaneously fitting the association and dissociation sensorgrams. Theequilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) is calculated as the ratiok_(off)/k_(on). See, e.g., Chen et al., J. Mol. Biol. 293:865-881(1999). If the on-rate exceeds 106 M⁻¹s⁻¹ by the surface plasmonresonance assay above, then the on-rate can be determined by using afluorescent quenching technique that measures the increase or decreasein fluorescence emission intensity (excitation=295 nm; emission=340 nm,16 nm band-pass) at 25° C. of a 20 nM anti-antigen antibody (Fab form)in PBS, pH 7.2, in the presence of increasing concentrations of antigenas measured in a spectrometer, such as a stop-flow equippedspectrophometer (Aviv Instruments) or a 8000-series SLM-AMINCO™spectrophotometer (ThermoSpectronic) with a stirred cuvette.

An “on-rate,” “rate of association,” “association rate,” or “k_(on)”according to this invention can also be determined as described aboveusing a BIACORE®-2000 or a BIACORE®-3000 system (BIAcore, Inc.,Piscataway, N.J.).

The term “substantially similar” or “substantially the same,” as usedherein, denotes a sufficiently high degree of similarity between twonumeric values (for example, one associated with an antibody of theinvention and the other associated with a reference/comparatorantibody), such that one of skill in the art would consider thedifference between the two values to be of little or no biologicaland/or statistical significance within the context of the biologicalcharacteristic measured by said values (e.g., Kd values). The differencebetween said two values is, for example, less than about 50%, less thanabout 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, and/or less thanabout 10% as a function of the reference/comparator value.

The phrase “substantially reduced,” or “substantially different,” asused herein, denotes a sufficiently high degree of difference betweentwo numeric values (generally one associated with a molecule and theother associated with a reference/comparator molecule) such that one ofskill in the art would consider the difference between the two values tobe of statistical significance within the context of the biologicalcharacteristic measured by said values (e.g., Kd values). The differencebetween said two values is, for example, greater than about 10%, greaterthan about 20%, greater than about 30%, greater than about 40%, and/orgreater than about 50% as a function of the value for thereference/comparator molecule.

An “acceptor human framework” for the purposes herein is a frameworkcomprising the amino acid sequence of a VL or VH framework derived froma human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework. Anacceptor human framework “derived from” a human immunoglobulin frameworkor a human consensus framework may comprise the same amino acid sequencethereof, or it may contain pre-existing amino acid sequence changes. Insome embodiments, the number of pre-existing amino acid changes are 10or less, 9 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, 5 or less, 4 orless, 3 or less, or 2 or less. Where pre-existing amino acid changes arepresent in a VH, preferably those changes occur at only three, two, orone of positions 71H, 73H and 78H; for instance, the amino acid residuesat those positions may be 71A, 73T and/or 78A. In one embodiment, the VLacceptor human framework is identical in sequence to the VL humanimmunoglobulin framework sequence or human consensus framework sequence.

A “human consensus framework” is a framework which represents the mostcommonly occurring amino acid residues in a selection of humanimmunoglobulin VL or VH framework sequences. Generally, the selection ofhuman immunoglobulin VL or VH sequences is from a subgroup of variabledomain sequences. Generally, the subgroup of sequences is a subgroup asin Kabat et al., supra. In one embodiment, for the VL, the subgroup issubgroup kappa I as in Kabat et al., supra. In one embodiment, for theVH, the subgroup is subgroup III as in Kabat et al., supra.

A “VH subgroup III consensus framework” comprises the consensus sequenceobtained from the amino acid sequences in variable heavy subgroup III ofKabat et al. In one embodiment, the VH subgroup III consensus frameworkamino acid sequence comprises at least a portion or all of each of thefollowing sequences:

(SEQ ID NO: 63) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAAS (SEQ ID NO: 64)H1-WVRQAPGKGLEWV (SEQ ID NO: 65) H2-RFTISADTSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYC(SEQ ID NO: 66) H3-WGQGTLVTVSS. 

A “VL subgroup I consensus framework” comprises the consensus sequenceobtained from the amino acid sequences in variable light kappa subgroupI of Kabat et al. In one embodiment, the VH subgroup I consensusframework amino acid sequence comprises at least a portion or all ofeach of the following sequences:

(SEQ ID NO: 67) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITC  (SEQ ID NO: 68)L1-WYQQKPGKAPKLLIY  (SEQ ID NO: 69) L2-GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYC(SEQ ID NO: 70) L3-FGQGTKVEIK. 

As used herein, “codon set” refers to a set of different nucleotidetriplet sequences used to encode desired variant amino acids. A set ofoligonucleotides can be synthesized, for example, by solid phasesynthesis, including sequences that represent all possible combinationsof nucleotide triplets provided by the codon set and that will encodethe desired group of amino acids. A standard form of codon designationis that of the IUB code, which is known in the art and described herein.A codon set typically is represented by 3 capital letters in italics,e.g., NNK, NNS, XYZ, DVK and the like. A “non-random codon set”, as usedherein, thus refers to a codon set that encodes select amino acids thatfulfill partially, preferably completely, the criteria for amino acidselection as described herein. Synthesis of oligonucleotides withselected nucleotide “degeneracy” at certain positions is well known inthat art, for example the TRIM approach (Knappek et al. (1999) J. Mol.Biol. 296:57-86); Garrard & Henner (1993) Gene 128:103). Such sets ofoligonucleotides having certain codon sets can be synthesized usingcommercial nucleic acid synthesizers (available from, for example,Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.), or can be obtainedcommercially (for example, from Life Technologies, Rockville, Md.).Therefore, a set of oligonucleotides synthesized having a particularcodon set will typically include a plurality of oligonucleotides withdifferent sequences, the differences established by the codon set withinthe overall sequence. Oligonucleotides, as used according to theinvention, have sequences that allow for hybridization to a variabledomain nucleic acid template and also can, but does not necessarily,include restriction enzyme sites useful for, for example, cloningpurposes.

The expression “linear antibodies” refers to the antibodies described inZapata et al. (1995 Protein Eng, 8(10):1057-1062). Briefly, theseantibodies comprise a pair of tandem Fd segments(V_(H)-C_(H)1-V_(H)-C_(H)1) which, together with complementary lightchain polypeptides, form a pair of antigen binding regions. Linearantibodies can be bispecific or monospecific.

As used herein, “library” refers to a plurality of antibody or antibodyfragment sequences (for example, polypeptides of the invention), or thenucleic acids that encode these sequences, the sequences being differentin the combination of variant amino acids that are introduced into thesesequences according to the methods of the invention.

“Phage display” is a technique by which variant polypeptides aredisplayed as fusion proteins to at least a portion of coat protein onthe surface of phage, e.g., filamentous phage, particles. A utility ofphage display lies in the fact that large libraries of randomizedprotein variants can be rapidly and efficiently sorted for thosesequences that bind to a target antigen with high affinity. Display ofpeptide and protein libraries on phage has been used for screeningmillions of polypeptides for ones with specific binding properties.Polyvalent phage display methods have been used for displaying smallrandom peptides and small proteins through fusions to either gene III orgene VIII of filamentous phage. Wells and Lowman (1992) Curr. Opin.Struct. Biol. 3:355-362, and references cited therein. In a monovalentphage display, a protein or peptide library is fused to a gene III or aportion thereof, and expressed at low levels in the presence of wildtype gene III protein so that phage particles display one copy or noneof the fusion proteins. Avidity effects are reduced relative topolyvalent phage so that sorting is on the basis of intrinsic ligandaffinity, and phagemid vectors are used, which simplify DNAmanipulations. Lowman and Wells (1991) Methods: A companion to Methodsin Enzymology 3:205-0216.

A “phagemid” is a plasmid vector having a bacterial origin ofreplication, e.g., Co1E1, and a copy of an intergenic region of abacteriophage. The phagemid may be used on any known bacteriophage,including filamentous bacteriophage and lambdoid bacteriophage. Theplasmid will also generally contain a selectable marker for antibioticresistance. Segments of DNA cloned into these vectors can be propagatedas plasmids. When cells harboring these vectors are provided with allgenes necessary for the production of phage particles, the mode ofreplication of the plasmid changes to rolling circle replication togenerate copies of one strand of the plasmid DNA and package phageparticles. The phagemid may form infectious or non-infectious phageparticles. This term includes phagemids which contain a phage coatprotein gene or fragment thereof linked to a heterologous polypeptidegene as a gene fusion such that the heterologous polypeptide isdisplayed on the surface of the phage particle.

The term “phage vector” means a double stranded replicative form of abacteriophage containing a heterologous gene and capable of replication.The phage vector has a phage origin of replication allowing phagereplication and phage particle formation. The phage is preferably afilamentous bacteriophage, such as an M13, fl, fd, Pf3 phage or aderivative thereof, or a lambdoid phage, such as lambda, 21, phi80,phi81, 82, 424, 434, etc., or a derivative thereof.

As used herein, “solvent accessible position” refers to a position of anamino acid residue in the variable regions of the heavy and light chainsof a source antibody or antigen binding fragment that is determined,based on structure, ensemble of structures and/or modeled structure ofthe antibody or antigen binding fragment, as potentially available forsolvent access and/or contact with a molecule, such as anantibody-specific antigen. These positions are typically found in theCDRs and on the exterior of the protein. The solvent accessiblepositions of an antibody or antigen binding fragment, as defined herein,can be determined using any of a number of algorithms known in the art.In one embodiment, solvent accessible positions are determined usingcoordinates from a 3-dimensional model of an antibody, preferably usinga computer program such as the InsightII program (Accelrys, San Diego,Calif.). Solvent accessible positions can also be determined usingalgorithms known in the art (e.g., Lee and Richards (1971) J. Mol. Biol.55, 379 and Connolly (1983) J. Appl. Cryst. 16, 548). Determination ofsolvent accessible positions can be performed using software suitablefor protein modeling and 3-dimensional structural information obtainedfrom an antibody. Software that can be utilized for these purposesincludes SYBYL Biopolymer Module software (Tripos Associates).Generally, where an algorithm (program) requires a user input sizeparameter, the “size” of a probe which is used in the calculation is setat about 1.4 Angstrom or smaller in radius. In addition, determinationof solvent accessible regions and area methods using software forpersonal computers has been described by Pacios (1994) Comput. Chem.18(4): 377-386.

The process of vascular development is tightly regulated. To date, asignificant number of molecules, mostly secreted factors produced bysurrounding cells, have been shown to regulate EC differentiation,proliferation, migration and coalescence into cord-like structures. Forexample, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identifiedas the key factor involved in stimulating angiogenesis and in inducingvascular permeability. Ferrara et al., Endocr. Rev. 18:4-25 (1997). Thefinding that the loss of even a single VEGF allele results in embryoniclethality points to an irreplaceable role played by this factor in thedevelopment and differentiation of the vascular system. Furthermore,VEGF has been shown to be a key mediator of neovascularizationassociated with tumors and intraocular disorders. Ferrara et al.,Endocr. Rev. supra. The VEGF mRNA is overexpressed by the majority ofhuman tumors examined. Berkman et al., J. Clin. Invest. 91:153-159(1993); Brown et al., Human Pathol. 26:86-91 (1995); Brown et al.,Cancer Res. 53:4727-4735 (1993); Mattern et al., Brit. J. Cancer73:931-934 (1996); Dvorak et al., Am. J. Pathol. 146:1029-1039 (1995).

Anti-VEGF neutralizing antibodies suppress the growth of a variety ofhuman tumor cell lines in nude mice (Kim et al., Nature 362:841-844(1993); Warren et al., J. Clin. Invest. 95:1789-1797 (1995); Borgströmet al., Cancer Res. 56:4032-4039 (1996); Melnyk et al., Cancer Res.56:921-924 (1996)) and also inhibit intraocular angiogenesis in modelsof ischemic retinal disorders. Adamis et al., Arch. Ophthalmol.114:66-71 (1996). Therefore, anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies or otherinhibitors of VEGF action are promising candidates for the treatment oftumors and various intraocular neovascular disorders. Such antibodiesare described, for example, in EP 817,648 published Jan. 14, 1998; andin WO98/45331 and WO98/45332, both published Oct. 15, 1998. One of theanti-VEGF antibodies, bevacizumab, has been approved by the FDA for usein combination with a chemotherapy regimen to treat metastaticcolorectal cancer (CRC) and non-samll cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Andbevacizumab is being investigated in many ongoing clinical trials fortreating various cancer indications.

Other anti-VEGF antibodies, anti-Nrp1 antibodies and anti-Nrp2antibodies are also known, and described, for example, in Liang et al.,J Mol Biol 366, 815-829 (2007) and Liang et al., J Biol Chem 281,951-961 (2006), PCT publication number WO2007/056470 and PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2007/069179, the content of these patent applications areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

An “angiogenic factor or agent” is a growth factor which stimulates thedevelopment of blood vessels, e.g., promote angiogenesis, endothelialcell growth, stability of blood vessels, and/or vasculogenesis, etc. Forexample, angiogenic factors, include, but are not limited to, e.g., VEGFand members of the VEGF family (VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D), PlGF, PDGFfamily, fibroblast growth factor family (FGFs), TIE ligands(Angiopoietins), ephrins, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), Del-1, fibroblastgrowth factors: acidic (aFGF) and basic (bFGF), Follistatin, Granulocytecolony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)/scatter factor (SF), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Leptin, Midkine,neuropilins, Placental growth factor, Platelet-derived endothelial cellgrowth factor (PD-ECGF), Platelet-derived growth factor, especiallyPDGF-BB or PDGFR-beta, Pleiotrophin (PTN), Progranulin, Proliferin,Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), Transforming growthfactor-beta (TGF-beta), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), etc. Itwould also include factors that accelerate wound healing, such as growthhormone, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), VIGF, epidermal growthfactor (EGF), CTGF and members of its family, and TGF-alpha andTGF-beta. See, e.g., Klagsbrun and D'Amore (1991) Annu. Rev. Physiol.53:217-39; Streit and Detmar (2003) Oncogene 22:3172-3179; Ferrara &Alitalo (1999) Nature Medicine 5(12):1359-1364; Tonini et al. (2003)Oncogene 22:6549-6556 (e.g., Table 1 listing known angiogenic factors);and, Sato (2003) Int. J. Clin. Oncol. 8:200-206.

An “anti-angiogenesis agent” or “angiogenesis inhibitor” refers to asmall molecular weight substance, a polynucleotide (including, e.g., aninhibitory RNA (RNAi or siRNA)), a polypeptide, an isolated protein, arecombinant protein, an antibody, or conjugates or fusion proteinsthereof, that inhibits angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, or undesirablevascular permeability, either directly or indirectly. It should beunderstood that the anti-angiogenesis agent includes those agents thatbind and block the angiogenic activity of the angiogenic factor or itsreceptor. For example, an anti-angiogenesis agent is an antibody orother antagonist to an angiogenic agent as defined above, e.g.,antibodies to VEGF-A or to the VEGF-A receptor (e.g., KDR receptor orFlt-1 receptor), anti-PDGFR inhibitors such as Gleevec™ (ImatinibMesylate), small molecules that block VEGF receptor signaling (e.g.,PTK787/ZK2284, SU6668, SUTENT®/SU11248 (sunitinib malate), AMG706, orthose described in, e.g., international patent application WO2004/113304). Anti-angiogenesis agents also include native angiogenesisinhibitors, e.g., angiostatin, endostatin, etc. See, e.g., Klagsbrun andD'Amore (1991) Annu. Rev. Physiol. 53:217-39; Streit and Detmar (2003)Oncogene 22:3172-3179 (e.g., Table 3 listing anti-angiogenic therapy inmalignant melanoma); Ferrara & Alitalo (1999) Nature Medicine5(12):1359-1364; Tonini et al. (2003) Oncogene 22:6549-6556 (e.g., Table2 listing known antiangiogenic factors); and, Sato (2003) Int. J. Clin.Oncol. 8:200-206 (e.g., Table 1 listing anti-angiogenic agents used inclinical trials).

The term “VEGF” or “VEGF-A” as used herein refers to the 165-amino acidhuman vascular endothelial cell growth factor and related 121-, 189-,and 206-amino acid human vascular endothelial cell growth factors, asdescribed by Leung et al. (1989) Science 246:1306, and Houck et al.(1991) Mol. Endocrin, 5:1806, together with the naturally occurringallelic and processed forms thereof. The term “VEGF” also refers toVEGFs from non-human species such as mouse, rat or primate. Sometimesthe VEGF from a specific species are indicated by terms such as hVEGFfor human VEGF, mVEGF for murine VEGF, and etc. The term “VEGF” is alsoused to refer to truncated forms of the polypeptide comprising aminoacids 8 to 109 or 1 to 109 of the 165-amino acid human vascularendothelial cell growth factor. Reference to any such forms of VEGF maybe identified in the present application, e.g., by “VEGF (8-109),” “VEGF(1-109)” or “VEGF₁₆₅.” The amino acid positions for a “truncated” nativeVEGF are numbered as indicated in the native VEGF sequence. For example,amino acid position 17 (methionine) in truncated native VEGF is alsoposition 17 (methionine) in native VEGF. The truncated native VEGF hasbinding affinity for the KDR and Flt-1 receptors comparable to nativeVEGF.

A “VEGF antagonist” refers to a molecule capable of neutralizing,blocking, inhibiting, abrogating, reducing or interfering with VEGFactivities including, but not limited to, its binding to one or moreVEGF receptors. VEGF antagonists include, without limitation, anti-VEGFantibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof, receptor molecules andderivatives which bind specifically to VEGF thereby sequestering itsbinding to one or more receptors, anti-VEGF receptor antibodies and VEGFreceptor antagonists such as small molecule inhibitors of the VEGFRtyrosine kinases. The term “VEGF antagonist,” as used herein,specifically includes molecules, including antibodies, antibodyfragments, other binding polypeptides, peptides, and non-peptide smallmolecules, that bind to VEGF and are capable of neutralizing, blocking,inhibiting, abrogating, reducing or interfering with VEGF activities.Thus, the term “VEGF activities” specifically includes VEGF mediatedbiological activities of VEGF.

An “anti-VEGF antibody” is an antibody that binds to VEGF withsufficient affinity and specificity. In one embodiment, the anti-VEGFantibody can be used as a therapeutic agent in targeting and interferingwith diseases or conditions wherein the VEGF activity is involved. Ananti-VEGF antibody will usually not bind to other VEGF homologues suchas VEGF-B or VEGF-C, nor other growth factors such as PlGF, PDGF orbFGF. In one embodiment, anti-VEGF antibodies include a monoclonalantibody that binds to the same epitope as the monoclonal anti-VEGFantibody A4.6.1 produced by hybridoma ATCC HB 10709; a recombinanthumanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (see Presta et al. (1997) CancerRes. 57:4593-4599), including but not limited to the antibody known as“bevacizumab (BV),” also known as “rhuMAb VEGF” or “AVASTIN®.” AVASTIN®is presently commercially available. Bevacizumab comprises mutated humanIgG₁ framework regions and antigen-binding complementarity-determiningregions from the murine antibody A.4.6.1 that blocks binding of humanVEGF to its receptors. Approximately 93% of the amino acid sequence ofbevacizumab, including most of the framework regions, is derived fromhuman IgG₁, and about 7% of the sequence is derived from A4.6.1.Bevacizumab has a molecular mass of about 149,000 daltons and isglycosylated. Bevacizumab and other humanized anti-VEGF antibodies arefurther described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,879, issued Feb. 26, 2005.Additional anti-VEGF antibodies include the G6 or B20 series antibodies(e.g., G6-23, G6-31, B20-4.1), as described in PCT ApplicationPublication No. WO2005/012359. For additional antibodies see U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,060,269, 6,582,959, 6,703,020; 6,054,297; WO98/45332; WO96/30046; WO94/10202; EP 0666868B1; U.S. Patent Application PublicationNos. 2006009360, 20050186208, 20030206899, 20030190317, 20030203409, and20050112126; and Popkov et al., Journal of Immunological Methods288:149-164 (2004).

The term “B20 series polypeptide” as used herein refers to apolypeptide, including an antibody that binds to VEGF. B20 seriespolypeptides includes, but not limited to, antibodies derived from asequence of the B20 antibody or a B20-derived antibody described in USPublication No. 20060280747, US Publication No. 20070141065 and/or USPublication No. 20070020267, the content of these patent applicationsare expressly incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, B20series polypeptide is B20-4.1 as described in US Publication No.20060280747, US Publication No. 20070141065 and/or US Publication No.20070020267. In another embodiment, B20 series polypeptide is B20-4.1.1described in PCT Publication No. WO 2009/073160, the entire disclosureof which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The term “G6 series polypeptide” as used herein refers to a polypeptide,including an antibody that binds to VEGF. G6 series polypeptidesincludes, but not limited to, antibodies derived from a sequence of theG6 antibody or a G6-derived antibody described in US Publication No.20060280747, US Publication No. 20070141065 and/or US Publication No.20070020267. G6 series polypeptides, as described in US Publication No.20060280747, US Publication No. 20070141065 and/or US Publication No.20070020267 include, but not limited to, G6-8, G6-23 and G6-31.

VEGF-C, a member of the VEGF family, is known to bind at least two cellsurface receptor families, the tyrosine kinase VEGF receptors and theneuropilin (Nrp) receptors. Of the three VEGF receptors, VEGF-C can bindVEGFR2 (KDR receptor) and VEGFR3 (Flt-4 receptor) leading to receptordimerization (Shinkai et al., J Biol Chem 273, 31283-31288 (1998)),kinase activation and autophosphorylation (Heldin, Cell 80, 213-223(1995); Waltenberger et al., J. Biol Chem 269, 26988-26995 (1994)). Thephosphorylated receptor induces the activation of multiple substratesleading to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis (Ferrara et al., Nat Med9, 669-676 (2003)).

VEGF-C is one of the best studied mediators of lymphatic development.Overexpression of VEGF-C in tumor cells was shown to promotetumor-associated lymphangiogenesis, resulting in enhanced metastasis toregional lymph nodes (Karpanen et al., Faseb J 20, 1462-1472 (2001);Mandriota et al., EMBO J 20, 672-682 (2001); Skobe et al., Nat Med 7,192-198 (2001); Stacker et al., Nat Rev Cancer 2, 573-583 (2002);Stacker et al., Faseb J 16, 922-934 (2002)). VEGF-C expression has alsobeen correlated with tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymph nodemetastasis for a number of human cancers (reviewed in Achen et al.,2006, supra. In addition, blockade of VEGF-C-mediated signaling has beenshown to suppress tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastases inmice (Chen et al., Cancer Res 65, 9004-9011 (2005); He et al., J. NatlCancer Inst 94, 8190825 (2002); Krishnan et al., Cancer Res 63, 713-722(2003); Lin et al., Cancer Res 65, 6901-6909 (2005)).

The terms “vascular endothelial growth factor-C”, “VEGF-C”, “VEGFC”,“VEGF-related protein”, “VRP”, “VEGF2” and “VEGF-2” are usedinterchangeably, and refer to the full-length polypeptide and/or theactive fragments of the full-length polypeptide. In one embodiment,active fragments include any portions of the full-length amino acidsequence which have less than the full 419 amino acids of thefull-length amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:87. Such activefragments contain VEGF-C biological activity and include, but notlimited to, mature VEGF-C. In one embodiment, the full-length VEGF-Cpolypeptide is proteolytically processed produce a mature form of VEGF-Cpolypeptide, also referred to as mature VEGF-C. Such processing includescleavage of a signal peptide and cleavage of an amino-terminal peptide(corresponding approximately to amino acids 1-102 of SEQ ID NO:87) andcleavage of a carboxyl-terminal peptide (corresponding approximately toamino acids 228-419 of SEQ ID NO:87) to produced a fully-processedmature form (see FIG. 6). Experimental evidence demonstrates that thefull-length VEGF-C, partially-processed forms of VEGF-C and fullyprocessed mature forms of VEGF-C are able to bind VEGFR3 (Flt-4receptor). However, high affinity binding to VEGFR2 occurs only with thefully processed mature forms of VEGF-C.

The term “VEGF-C” also refers to VEGF-C from non-human species such asmouse, rat or primate. Sometimes the VEGF-C from a specific species areindicated by terms such as hVEGF-C for human VEGF-C, mVEGF-C for murineVEGF-C, and etc.

The terms “C137S”, “VEGF-C C137S”, “vascular endothelial growth factor-CC137S”, “VEGFC C137S” and “hVEGF-C C137S” are used interchangeably, andrefer to the full-length polypeptide and the fragments of thefull-length polypeptide wherein the cysteine residue at amino acidresidue position 137 was replaced by a serine residue as shown in SEQ IDNO:88.

The term “VEGF-C antagonist” is used herein to refer to a moleculecapable of neutralizing, blocking, inhibiting, abrogating, reducing orinterfering with VEGF-C activities. In certain embodiments, VEGF-Cantagonist refers to a molecule capable of neutralizing, blocking,inhibiting, abrogating, reducing or interfering with the ability ofVEGF-C to modulate angiogenesis, lymphatic endothelial cell (EC)migration, proliferation or adult lymphangiogenesis, especially tumorallymphangiogenesis and tumor metastasis. VEGF-C antagonists include,without limitation, anti-VEGF-C antibodies and antigen-binding fragmentsthereof, receptor molecules and derivatives which bind specifically toVEGF-C thereby sequestering its binding to one or more receptors,anti-VEGF-C receptor antibodies and VEGF-C receptor antagonists such assmall molecule inhibitors of the VEGFR2 and VEGFR3. The term “VEGF-Cantagonist,” as used herein, specifically includes molecules, includingantibodies, antibody fragments, other binding polypeptides, peptides,and non-peptide small molecules, that bind to VEGF-C and are capable ofneutralizing, blocking, inhibiting, abrogating, reducing or interferingwith VEGF-C activities. Thus, the term “VEGF-C activities” specificallyincludes VEGF-C mediated biological activities (as hereinabove defined)of VEGF-C.

The term “anti-VEGF-C antibody” or “an antibody that binds to VEGF-C”refers to an antibody that is capable of binding VEGF-C with sufficientaffinity such that the antibody is useful as a diagnostic and/ortherapeutic agent in targeting VEGF-C. In one embodiment, the extent ofbinding of an anti-VEGF-C antibody to an unrelated, non-VEGF-C proteinis less than about 10% of the binding of the antibody to VEGF-C asmeasured, e.g., by a radioimmunoassay (RIA). In certain embodiments, anantibody that binds to VEGF-C has a dissociation constant (Kd) of ≦1 μM,≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, ≦1 nM, or ≦0.1 nM. In certain embodiments, ananti-VEGF-C antibody binds to an epitope of VEGF-C that is conservedamong VEGF-C from different species.

The term “biological activity” and “biologically active” with regard toa VEGF-C polypeptide refer to physical/chemical properties andbiological functions associated with full-length and/or mature VEGF-C.In some embodiments, VEGF-C “biological activity” means having theability to bind to, and stimulate the phosphorylation of, the Flt-4receptor (VEGFR3). Generally, VEGF-C will bind to the extracellulardomain of the Flt-4 receptor and thereby activate or inhibit theintracellular tyrosine kinase domain thereof. Consequently, binding ofVEGF-C to the receptor may result in enhancement or inhibition ofproliferation and/or differentiation and/or activation of cells havingthe Flt-4 receptor for the VEGF-C in vivo or in vitro. Binding of VEGF-Cto the Flt-4 receptor can be determined using conventional techniques,including competitive binding methods, such as RIAs, ELISAs, and othercompetitive binding assays. Ligand/receptor complexes can be identifiedusing such separation methods as filtration, centrifugation, flowcytometry (see, e.g., Lyman et al., Cell, 75:1157-1167 [1993]; Urdal etal., J. Biol. Chem., 263:2870-2877 [1988]; and Gearing et al., EMBO J.,8:3667-3676 [1989]), and the like. Results from binding studies can beanalyzed using any conventional graphical representation of the bindingdata, such as Scatchard analysis (Scatchard, Ann. NY Acad. Sci.,51:660-672 [1949]; Goodwin et al., Cell, 73:447-456 [1993]), and thelike. Since VEGF-C induces phosphorylation of the Flt-4 receptor,conventional tyrosine phosphorylation assays can also be used as anindication of the formation of a Flt-4 receptor/VEGF-C complex. Inanother embodiment, VEGF-C “biological activity” means having theability to bind to KDR receptor (VEGFR2). vascular permeability, as wellas the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells. In certainembodiments, binding of VEGF-C to the KDR receptor may result inenhancement or inhibition of vascular permeability as well as migrationand/or proliferation and/or differentiation and/or activation ofendothelial cells having the KDR receptor for the VEGF-C in vivo or invitro.

As used herein, “treatment” (and variations such as “treat” or“treating”) refers to clinical intervention in an attempt to alter thenatural course of the individual or cell being treated, and can beperformed either for prophylaxis or during the course of clinicalpathology. Desirable effects of treatment include preventing occurrenceor recurrence of disease, alleviation of symptoms, diminishment of anydirect or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, preventingmetastasis, decreasing the rate of disease progression, amelioration orpalliation of the disease state, and remission or improved prognosis. Insome embodiments, antibodies of the invention are used to delaydevelopment of a disease or disorder or to slow the progression of adisease or disorder.

“Chronic” administration refers to administration of the agent(s) in acontinuous mode as opposed to an acute mode, so as to maintain theinitial therapeutic effect (activity) for an extended period of time.“Intermittent” administration is treatment that is not consecutivelydone without interruption, but rather is cyclic in nature.

A “disorder” is any condition that would benefit from treatment. Forexample, mammals who suffer from or need prophylaxis against abnormalangiogenesis (excessive, inappropriate or uncontrolled angiogenesis) orvascular permeability. This includes chronic and acute disorders ordiseases including those pathological conditions which predispose themammal to the disorder in question. Non-limiting examples of disordersto be treated herein include malignant and benign tumors; non-leukemiasand lymphoid malignancies; and, in particular, tumor (cancer)metastasis.

The terms “cell proliferative disorder” and “proliferative disorder”refer to disorders that are associated with some degree of abnormal cellproliferation. In one embodiment, the cell proliferative disorder iscancer.

“Tumor,” as used herein, refers to all neoplastic cell growth andproliferation, whether malignant or benign, and all pre-cancerous andcancerous cells and tissues. The terms “cancer”, “cancerous”, “cellproliferative disorder”, “proliferative disorder” and “tumor” are notmutually exclusive as referred to herein.

The terms “cancer” and “cancerous” refer to or describe thephysiological condition in mammals that is typically characterized byunregulated cell growth. Examples of cancer include but are not limitedto, carcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia or lymphoidmalignancies. More particular examples of such cancers include, but notlimited to, squamous cell cancer (e.g., epithelial squamous cellcancer), lung cancer including small-cell lung cancer, non-small celllung cancer, adenocarcinoma of the lung and squamous carcinoma of thelung, cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellular cancer, gastric orstomach cancer including gastrointestinal cancer and gastrointestinalstromal cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer,ovarian cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, cancer of the urinarytract, hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectalcancer, endometrial or uterine carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma,kidney or renal cancer, prostate cancer, vulval cancer, thyroid cancer,hepatic carcinoma, anal carcinoma, penile carcinoma, melanoma,superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, acrallentiginous melanomas, nodular melanomas, multiple myeloma and B-celllymphoma (including low grade/follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL);small lymphocytic (SL) NHL; intermediate grade/follicular NHL;intermediate grade diffuse NHL; high grade immunoblastic NHL; high gradelymphoblastic NHL; high grade small non-cleaved cell NHL; bulky diseaseNHL; mantle cell lymphoma; AIDS-related lymphoma; and Waldenstrom'sMacroglobulinemia); chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); acutelymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); hairy cell leukemia; chronic myeloblasticleukemia; and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), aswell as abnormal vascular proliferation associated with phakomatoses,edema (such as that associated with brain tumors), Meigs' syndrome,brain, as well as head and neck cancer, and associated metastases. Incertain embodiments, cancers that are amenable to treatment by theantibodies of the invention include breast cancer, colorectal cancer,rectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, non-Hodgkinslymphoma (NHL), renal cell cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer,pancreatic cancer, soft-tissue sarcoma, kaposi's sarcoma, carcinoidcarcinoma, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, andmultiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from thegroup consisting of small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma,neuroblastomas, melanoma, breast carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectalcancer (CRC), and hepatocellular carcinoma. Yet, in some embodiments,the cancer is selected from the group consisting of non-small cell lungcancer, colorectal cancer, renal cancer, ovarian cancer, glioblastomaand breast carcinoma, including metastatic forms of those cancers.

By “metastasis” is meant the spread of cancer from its primary site toother places in the body. Cancer cells can break away from a primarytumor, penetrate into lymphatic and blood vessels, circulate through thebloodstream, and grow in a distant focus (metastasize) in normal tissueselsewhere in the body. Metastasis can be local or distant. Metastasis isa sequential process, contingent on tumor cells breaking off from theprimary tumor, traveling through the bloodstream or lymphatics, andstopping at a distant site. At the new site, the cells establish a bloodsupply and can grow to form a life-threatening mass. In certainembodiments, the term metastatic tumor refers to a tumor that is capableof metastasizing, but has not yet metastasized to tissues or organselsewhere in the body. In certain embodiments, the term metastatic tumorrefers to a tumor that has metastasized to tissues or organs elsewherein the body.

The “metastatic organ” or “metastatic tissue” is used in the broadestsense, refers to an organ or a tissue in which the cancer cells from aprimary tumor or the cancer cells from another part of the body havespread. Examples of metastatic organ and metastatic tissue include, butnot limited to, lung, liver, brain, ovary, bone and bone marrow.

The “pre-metastatic organ” or “pre-metastatic tissue” as used herein,refers to an organ or a tissue in which no cancer cells from a primarytumor or from another part of the body have been detected. In certainembodiments, the pre-metastatic organ or pre-metastatic tissue as usedherein, refers to an organ or tissue that is in the phase before thespread of cancer cells from a primary tumor or from another part of thebody to this organ or tissue have occurred. Examples of pre-metastaticorgan or pre-metastatic tissue include, but not limited to, lung, liver,brain, ovary, bone and bone marrow.

By “primary tumor” or “primary cancer” is meant the original cancer andnot a metastatic lesion located in another tissue, organ, or location inthe subject's body.

“Cancer recurrence” herein refers to a return of cancer followingtreatment, and includes return of cancer in the primary organ, as wellas distant recurrence, where the cancer returns outside of the primaryorgan.

By “tumor burden” is meant the number of cancer cells, the size of atumor, or the amount of cancer in the body. Tumor burden is alsoreferred to as tumor load.

By “tumor number” is meant the number of tumors.

“Refractory” refers to the resistance or non-responsiveness of a diseaseor condition to a treatment (e.g., the number of neoplastic plasma cellsincreases even though treatment if given). In certain embodiments, theterm “refractory” refers a resistance or non-responsiveness to anyprevious treatment including, but not limited to, VEGF antagonist,anti-angiogenic agents and chemotherapy treatments. In certainembodiments, the term “refractory” refers an intrinsicallynon-responsiveness of a disease or condition to any previous treatmentcomprising a VEGF antagonist, anti-angiogenic agents and/or chemotherapytreatments. In certain embodiments, the VEGF antagonist is an anti-VEGFantibody.

“Relapsed” refers to the regression of the patient's illness back to itsformer diseased state, especially the return of symptoms following anapparent recovery or partial recovery. In certain embodiments, relapsedstate refers to the process of returning to or the return to illnessbefore the previous treatment including, but not limited to, VEGFantagonist, anti-angiogenic agents and/or chemotherapy treatments. Incertain embodiments, relapsed state refers to the process of returningto or the return to illness after an initial strong response to a cancertherapy comprising a VEGF antagonist, anti-angiogenic agents and/orchemotherapy treatments. In certain embodiments, the VEGF antagonist isan anti-VEGF antibody.

The term “anti-cancer therapy” or “cancer therapy” refers to a therapyuseful in treating cancer. Examples of anti-cancer therapeutic agentsinclude, but are limited to, e.g., chemotherapeutic agents, growthinhibitory agents, cytotoxic agents, agents used in radiation therapy,anti-angiogenic agents, apoptotic agents, anti-tubulin agents, and otheragents to treat cancer, such as anti-HER-2 antibodies, anti-CD20antibodies, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist (e.g.,a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), HER1/EGFR inhibitor (e.g., erlotinib(TARCEVA®), platelet derived growth factor inhibitors (e.g., GLEEVEC®(Imatinib Mesylate)), a COX-2 inhibitor (e.g., celecoxib), Erbitux®(cetuximab, Imclone), interferons, cytokines, antagonists (e.g.,neutralizing antibodies) that bind to one or more of the followingtargets ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4, PDGFR-beta, BlyS, APRIL, BCMA or VEGFreceptor(s), TRAIL/Apo2, and other bioactive and organic chemicalagents, etc. Combinations thereof are also included in the invention.

An “individual,” “subject,” or “patient” is a vertebrate. In certainembodiments, the vertebrate is a mammal. Mammals include, but are notlimited to, farm animals (such as cows), sport animals, pets (such ascats, dogs, and horses), primates, mice and rats. In certainembodiments, a mammal is a human.

The term “sample” or “biological sample” as used herein, refers to acomposition that is obtained or derived from a subject of interest thatcontains a cellular and/or other molecular entity that is to becharacterized and/or identified, for example based on physical,biochemical, chemical and/or physiological characteristics. In certainembodiments, the definition encompasses blood and other liquid samplesof biological origin and tissue samples such as a biopsy specimen ortissue cultures or cells derived therefrom. The source of the tissuesample may be solid tissue as from a fresh, frozen and/or preservedorgan or tissue sample or biopsy or aspirate; blood or any bloodconstituents; bodily fluids; and cells from any time in gestation ordevelopment of the subject or plasma.

In another embodiment, the definition includes biological samples thathave been manipulated in any way after their procurement, such as bytreatment with reagents, solubilization, or enrichment for certaincomponents, such as proteins or polynucleotides, or embedding in asemi-solid or solid matrix for sectioning purposes. In certainembodiments, a “section” of a tissue sample is meant a single part orpiece of a tissue sample, e.g. a thin slice of tissue or cells cut froma tissue sample.

Samples include, but not limited to, primary or cultured cells or celllines, cell supernatants, cell lysates, platelets, serum, plasma,vitreous fluid, lymph fluid, synovial fluid, follicular fluid, seminalfluid, amniotic fluid, milk, whole blood, urine, cerebro-spinal fluid,saliva, sputum, tears, perspiration, mucus, tumor lysates, and tissueculture medium, as well as tissue extracts such as homogenized tissue,tumor tissue, and cellular extracts.

In one embodiment, the sample is a clinical sample. In anotherembodiment, the sample is used in a diagnostic assay. In certainembodiments, the sample is obtained from a pre-metastatic organ or apre-metastatic tissue. In certain embodiments, the sample is obtainedfrom a primary or metastatic tumor. Tissue biopsy is often used toobtain a representative piece of tumor tissue. Alternatively, tumorcells can be obtained indirectly in the form of tissues or fluids thatare known or thought to contain the tumor cells of interest. Forinstance, samples of lung cancer lesions may be obtained by resection,bronchoscopy, fine needle aspiration, bronchial brushings, or fromsputum, pleural fluid or blood.

In certain embodiments, a sample is obtained from a subject or patientprior to treatment with anti-VEGF-C antibodies. In certain embodiments,a sample is obtained from a subject or patient after the treatment withanti-VEGF-C antibodies. In certain embodiments, a sample is obtainedfrom a subject or patient prior to VEGF antagonist therapy. In certainembodiments, a sample is obtained from a subject or patient prior toanti-VEGF antibody therapy. In certain embodiments, a sample is obtainedbefore a cancer has metastasized. In certain embodiments, a sample isobtained after a cancer has metastasized.

An “effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and forperiods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic orprophylactic result.

A “therapeutically effective amount” of a substance/molecule of theinvention may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age,sex, and weight of the individual, and the ability of thesubstance/molecule, to elicit a desired response in the individual. Atherapeutically effective amount encompasses an amount in which anytoxic or detrimental effects of the substance/molecule are outweighed bythe therapeutically beneficial effects. A “prophylactically effectiveamount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods oftime necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically,but not necessarily, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects priorto or at an earlier stage of disease, the prophylactically effectiveamount would be less than the therapeutically effective amount.

The term “efficacy” is used herein in the broadest sense and refers toimmunoglobuin's, antibody's or Fc fusion protein's ability to produce adesired effect. In certain embodiments, efficacy refers to the maximalobserved effect of an immunoglobulin, antibody or Fc fusion protein atsaturating levels. In certain embodiments, efficacy refers to the EC₅₀of an immunoglobulin, antibody or Fc fusion protein. In certainembodiments, efficacy refers to the potency of an immunoglobulin,antibody or Fc fusion protein. In certain embodiments, efficacy refersto immunoglobulin's, antibody's or Fc fusion protein's ability toproduce beneficial effects on the course or duration of a disease,including clinical benefit as defined herein.

The term “EC₅₀” refers to the concentration of an immunoglobulin,antibody or Fc fusion protein which induces a response halfway betweenthe baseline and maximum. In certain embodiments, EC₅₀ represents theconcentration of an immunoglobulin, antibody or Fc fusion protein where50% of its maximal effect is observed. In certain embodiments, EC₅₀represents the plasma or serum concentration required for obtaining 50%of the maximum effect in vivo.

Efficacy in treating cancer may be demonstrated by detecting the abilityof an antibody, a fusion protein, a conjugated molecule, or acomposition of the invention to inhibit or reduce the growth ormetastasis of cancerous cells or to ameliorate or alleviate one or moresymptoms associated with cancer. The treatment is considered therapeuticif there is, for example, a reduction in the growth or metastasis ofcancerous cells, amelioration of one or more symptoms associated withcancer, or a decrease in mortality and/or morbidity followingadministration of an antibody, a fusion protein, a conjugated molecule,or a composition of the invention. Antibodies, fusion proteins orcompositions of the invention can be tested for their ability to reducetumor formation in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays. For cancertherapy, efficacy in vivo can, for example, be also measured byassessing the duration of survival, time to disease progression (TTP),the response rates (RR), duration of response, and/or quality of life.

Clinical benefit can be measured by assessing various endpoints, e.g.,inhibition, to some extent, of disease progression, including slowingdown and complete arrest; reduction in the number of disease episodesand/or symptoms; reduction in lesion size; inhibition (i.e., reduction,slowing down or complete stopping) of disease cell infiltration intoadjacent peripheral organs and/or tissues; inhibition (i.e. reduction,slowing down or complete stopping) of disease spread; decrease ofauto-immune response, which may, but does not have to, result in theregression or ablation of the disease lesion; relief, to some extent, ofone or more symptoms associated with the disorder; increase in thelength of disease-free presentation following treatment, e.g.,progression-free survival; increased overall survival; higher responserate; and/or decreased mortality at a given point of time followingtreatment.

By “maintenance therapy” is meant a therapeutic regimen that is given toreduce the likelihood of disease recurrence or progression. Maintenancetherapy can be provided for any length of time, including extended timeperiods up to the life-span of the subject. Maintenance therapy can beprovided after initial therapy or in conjunction with initial oradditional therapies. Dosages used for maintenance therapy can vary andcan include diminished dosages as compared to dosages used for othertypes of therapy.

“Adjuvant therapy” herein refers to therapy given after surgery, whereno evidence of residual disease can be detected, so as to reduce therisk of disease recurrence. The goal of adjuvant therapy is to preventrecurrence of the cancer, and therefore to reduce the chance ofcancer-related death.

Administration “in combination with” one or more further therapeuticagents includes simultaneous (concurrent) and consecutive administrationin any order.

The term “simultaneously” or “concurrently” is used herein to refer toadministration of two or more therapeutic agents, where at least part ofthe administration overlaps in time. Accordingly, concurrentadministration includes a dosing regimen when the administration of oneor more agent(s) continues after discontinuing the administration of oneor more other agent(s).

The term “pharmaceutical formulation” refers to a preparation which isin such form as to permit the biological activity of the activeingredient to be effective, and which contains no additional componentswhich are unacceptably toxic to a subject to which the formulation wouldbe administered. Such formulations may be sterile.

A “sterile” formulation is aseptic or free from all livingmicroorganisms and their spores.

“Carriers” as used herein include pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,excipients, or stabilizers which are nontoxic to the cell or mammalbeing exposed thereto at the dosages and concentrations employed. Oftenthe physiologically acceptable carrier is an aqueous pH bufferedsolution. Examples of physiologically acceptable carriers includebuffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids;antioxidants including ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (less thanabout 10 residues) polypeptide; proteins, such as serum albumin,gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such aspolyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine,asparagine, arginine or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, andother carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelatingagents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol;salt-forming counterions such as sodium; and/or nonionic surfactantssuch as TWEEN™, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and PLURONICS™.

A “liposome” is a small vesicle composed of various types of lipids,phospholipids and/or surfactant which is useful for delivery of a drug(such as a VEGF-C polypeptide or antibody thereto) to a mammal. Thecomponents of the liposome are commonly arranged in a bilayer formation,similar to the lipid arrangement of biological membranes.

The term “anti-neoplastic composition” refers to a composition useful intreating cancer comprising at least one active therapeutic agent, e.g.,“anti-cancer agent.” Examples of therapeutic agents (anti-cancer agents)include, but are limited to, e.g., chemotherapeutic agents, growthinhibitory agents, cytotoxic agents, agents used in radiation therapy,anti-angiogenesis agents, apoptotic agents, anti-tubulin agents, andother-agents to treat cancer, such as anti-HER-2 antibodies, anti-CD20antibodies, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist (e.g.,a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), HER1/EGFR inhibitor (e.g., erlotinib(Tarceva™), platelet derived growth factor inhibitors (e.g., Gleevec™(Imatinib Mesylate)), a COX-2 inhibitor (e.g., celecoxib), interferons,cytokines, antagonists (e.g., neutralizing antibodies) that bind to oneor more of the following targets ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4, PDGFR-beta, BlyS,APRIL, BCMA or VEGF receptor(s), TRAIL/Apo2, and other bioactive andorganic chemical agents, etc. Combinations thereof are also included inthe invention.

The term “cytotoxic agent” as used herein refers to a substance thatinhibits or prevents a cellular function and/or causes cell death ordestruction. The term is intended to include radioactive isotopes (e.g.,At²¹¹, I¹³¹, I¹²⁵, Y⁹⁰, Re¹⁸⁶, Re¹⁸⁸, Sm¹⁵³, Bi²¹², P³², Pb²¹² andradioactive isotopes of Lu), chemotherapeutic agents (e.g.,methotrexate, adriamicin, vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine,etoposide), doxorubicin, melphalan, mitomycin C, chlorambucil,daunorubicin or other intercalating agents, enzymes and fragmentsthereof such as nucleolytic enzymes, antibiotics, and toxins such assmall molecule toxins or enzymatically active toxins of bacterial,fungal, plant or animal origin, including fragments and/or variantsthereof, and the various antitumor or anticancer agents disclosed below.Other cytotoxic agents are described below. A tumoricidal agent causesdestruction of tumor cells.

A “toxin” is any substance capable of having a detrimental effect on thegrowth or proliferation of a cell.

A “chemotherapeutic agent” is a chemical compound useful in thetreatment of cancer. Examples of chemotherapeutic agents includealkylating agents such as thiotepa and CYTOXAN® cyclosphosphamide; alkylsulfonates such as busulfan, improsulfan and piposulfan; aziridines suchas benzodopa, carboquone, meturedopa, and uredopa; ethylenimines andmethylamelamines including altretamine, triethylenemelamine,trietylenephosphoramide, triethiylenethiophosphoramide andtrimethylolomelamine; acetogenins (especially bullatacin andbullatacinone); delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol, MARINOL®);beta-lapachone; lapachol; colchicines; betulinic acid; a camptothecin(including the synthetic analogue topotecan (HYCAMTIN®), CPT-11(irinotecan, CAMPTOSAR®), acetylcamptothecin, scopolectin, and9-aminocamptothecin); bryostatin; callystatin; CC-1065 (including itsadozelesin, carzelesin and bizelesin synthetic analogues);podophyllotoxin; podophyllinic acid; teniposide; cryptophycins(particularly cryptophycin 1 and cryptophycin 8); dolastatin;duocarmycin (including the synthetic analogues, KW-2189 and CB1-TM1);eleutherobin; pancratistatin; a sarcodictyin; spongistatin; nitrogenmustards such as chlorambucil, chlornaphazine, cholophosphamide,estramustine, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine, mechlorethamine oxidehydrochloride, melphalan, novembichin, phenesterine, prednimustine,trofosfamide, uracil mustard; nitrosureas such as carmustine,chlorozotocin, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, and ranimustine;antibiotics such as the enediyne antibiotics (e.g., calicheamicin,especially calicheamicin gamma1I and calicheamicin omegaI1 (see, e.g.,Agnew, Chem. Intl. Ed. Engl., 33: 183-186 (1994)); dynemicin, includingdynemicin A; an esperamicin; as well as neocarzinostatin chromophore andrelated chromoprotein enediyne antiobiotic chromophores),aclacinomysins, actinomycin, authramycin, azaserine, bleomycins,cactinomycin, carabicin, caminomycin, carzinophilin, chromomycinis,dactinomycin, daunorubicin, detorubicin, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine,doxorubicin (including ADRIAMYCIN®, morpholino-doxorubicin,cyanomorpholino-doxorubicin, 2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin, doxorubicin HClliposome injection (DOXIL®) and deoxydoxorubicin), epirubicin,esorubicin, idarubicin, marcellomycin, mitomycins such as mitomycin C,mycophenolic acid, nogalamycin, olivomycins, peplomycin, potfiromycin,puromycin, quelamycin, rodorubicin, streptonigrin, streptozocin,tubercidin, ubenimex, zinostatin, zorubicin; pemetrexed (ALIMTA®);gemicitabine (GEMZAR®); anti-metabolites such as methotrexate,gemcitabine (GEMZAR®), tegafur (UFTORAL®), capecitabine (XELODA®), anepothilone, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); folic acid analogues such asdenopterin, methotrexate, pteropterin, trimetrexate; purine analogs suchas fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, thiamiprine, thioguanine; pyrimidineanalogs such as ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, carmofur,cytarabine, dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine, enocitabine, floxuridine;androgens such as calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol,mepitiostane, testolactone; anti-adrenals such as aminoglutethimide,mitotane, trilostane; folic acid replenisher such as frolinic acid;aceglatone; aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid; eniluracil;amsacrine; bestrabucil; bisantrene; edatraxate; defofamine; demecolcine;diaziquone; elformithine; elliptinium acetate; etoglucid; galliumnitrate; hydroxyurea; lentinan; lonidainine; maytansinoids such asmaytansine and ansamitocins; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidanmol;nitraerine; pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; losoxantrone;2-ethylhydrazide; procarbazine; PSK® polysaccharide complex (JHS NaturalProducts, Eugene, Oreg.); razoxane; rhizoxin; sizofuran; spirogermanium;tenuazonic acid; triaziquone; 2,2′,2″-trichlorotriethylamine;trichothecenes (especially T-2 toxin, verracurin A, roridin A andanguidine); urethan; vindesine (ELDISINE®, FILDESIN®); dacarbazine;mannomustine; mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman; gacytosine;arabinoside (“Ara-C”); thiotepa; taxoids, e.g., paclitaxel (TAXOL®),albumin-engineered nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel (ABRAXANE™),and docetaxel (TAXOTERE®); chloranbucil; 6-thioguanine; mercaptopurine;methotrexate; platinum analogs such as cisplatin and carboplatin;vinblastine (VELBAN®); platinum; etoposide (VP-16); ifosfamide;mitoxantrone; vincristine (ONCOVIN®); oxaliplatin; leucovovin;vinorelbine (NAVELBINE®); novantrone; edatrexate; daunomycin;aminopterin; ibandronate; topoisomerase inhibitor RFS 2000;difluoromethylornithine (DMFO); retinoids such as retinoic acid;pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of theabove; as well as combinations of two or more of the above such as CHOP,an abbreviation for a combined therapy of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin,vincristine, and prednisolone, and FOLFOX, an abbreviation for atreatment regimen with oxaliplatin (ELOXATIN™) combined with 5-FU andleucovovin.

Also included in this definition are anti-hormonal agents that act toregulate, reduce, block, or inhibit the effects of hormones that canpromote the growth of cancer, and are often in the form of systemic, orwhole-body treatment. They may be hormones themselves. Examples includeanti-estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs),including, for example, tamoxifen (including NOLVADEX® tamoxifen),raloxifene (EVISTA®), droloxifene, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, trioxifene,keoxifene, LY117018, onapristone, and toremifene (FARESTON®);anti-progesterones; estrogen receptor down-regulators (ERDs); agentsthat function to suppress or shut down the ovaries, for example,leutinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists such as leuprolideacetate (LUPRON® and ELIGARD®), goserelin acetate, buserelin acetate andtripterelin; other anti-androgens such as flutamide, nilutamide andbicalutamide; and aromatase inhibitors that inhibit the enzymearomatase, which regulates estrogen production in the adrenal glands,such as, for example, 4(5)-imidazoles, aminoglutethimide, megestrolacetate (MEGASE®), exemestane (AROMASIN®), formestanie, fadrozole,vorozole (RIVISOR®), letrozole (FEMARA®), and anastrozole (ARIMIDEX®).In addition, such definition of chemotherapeutic agents includesbisphosphonates such as clodronate (for example, BONEFOS® or OSTAC®),etidronate (DIDROCAL®), NE-58095, zoledronic acid/zoledronate (ZOMETA®),alendronate (FOSAMAX®), pamidronate (AREDIA®), tiludronate (SKELID®), orrisedronate (ACTONEL®); as well as troxacitabine (a 1,3-dioxolanenucleoside cytosine analog); antisense oligonucleotides, particularlythose that inhibit expression of genes in signaling pathways implicatedin abherant cell proliferation, such as, for example, PKC-alpha, Raf,H-Ras, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R); vaccines such asTHERATOPE® vaccine and gene therapy vaccines, for example, ALLOVECTIN®vaccine, LEUVECTIN® vaccine, and VAXID® vaccine; topoisomerase 1inhibitor (e.g., LURTOTECAN®); rmRH (e.g., ABARELIX®); lapatinibditosylate (an ErbB-2 and EGFR dual tyrosine kinase small-moleculeinhibitor also known as GW572016); COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib(CELEBREX®;4-(5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide;and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any ofthe above.

A “growth inhibitory agent” when used herein refers to a compound orcomposition which inhibits growth of a cell (such as a cell expressingVEGF-C or cells acted upon by VEGF-C) either in vitro or in vivo. In oneembodiment, growth inhibitory agent is growth inhibitory antibody thatprevents or reduces proliferation of a cell expressing an antigen towhich the antibody binds. In another embodiment, the growth inhibitoryagent may be one which significantly reduces the percentage of cells inS phase. Examples of growth inhibitory agents include agents that blockcell cycle progression (at a place other than S phase), such as agentsthat induce G1 arrest and M-phase arrest. Classical M-phase blockersinclude the vincas (vincristine and vinblastine), taxanes, andtopoisomerase II inhibitors such as doxorubicin, epirubicin,daunorubicin, etoposide, and bleomycin. Those agents that arrest G1 alsospill over into S-phase arrest, for example, DNA alkylating agents suchas tamoxifen, prednisone, dacarbazine, mechlorethamine, cisplatin,methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and ara-C. Further information can befound in Mendelsohn and Israel, eds., The Molecular Basis of Cancer,Chapter 1, entitled “Cell cycle regulation, oncogenes, andantineoplastic drugs” by Murakami et al. (W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia,1995), e.g., p. 13. The taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel) areanticancer drugs both derived from the yew tree. Docetaxel (TAXOTERE®,Rhone-Poulenc Rorer), derived from the European yew, is a semisyntheticanalogue of paclitaxel (TAXOL®, Bristol-Myers Squibb). Paclitaxel anddocetaxel promote the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers andstabilize microtubules by preventing depolymerization, which results inthe inhibition of mitosis in cells.

The “pathology” of a disease includes all phenomena that compromise thewell-being of the patient. For cancer, this includes, withoutlimitation, abnormal or uncontrollable cell growth, metastasis,interference with the normal functioning of neighboring cells, releaseof cytokines or other secretory products at abnormal levels, suppressionor aggravation of inflammatory or immunological response, etc.

The term “prodrug” as used in this application refers to a precursor orderivative form of a pharmaceutically active substance that is lesscytotoxic to tumor cells compared to the parent drug and is capable ofbeing enzymatically activated or converted into the more active parentform. See, e.g., Wilman (1986) “Prodrugs in Cancer Chemotherapy”Biochemical Society Transactions, 14, pp. 375-382, 615th Meeting Belfastand Stella et al. (1985). “Prodrugs: A Chemical Approach to TargetedDrug Delivery,” Directed Drug Delivery, Borchardt et al, (ed.), pp.247-267, Humana Press. The prodrugs of this invention include, but arenot limited to, phosphate-containing prodrugs, thiophosphate-containingprodrugs, sulfate-containing prodrugs, peptide-containing prodrugs,D-amino acid-modified prodrugs, glycosylated prodrugs,β-lactam-containing prodrugs, optionally substitutedphenoxyacetamide-containing prodrugs or optionally substitutedphenylacetamide-containing prodrugs, 5-fluorocytosine and other5-fluorouridine prodrugs which can be converted into the more activecytotoxic free drug. Examples of cytotoxic drugs that can be derivatizedinto a prodrug form for use in this invention include, but are notlimited to, those chemotherapeutic agents described above.

A “small molecule” is defined herein to have a molecular weight belowabout 500 Daltons.

“Purified” means that a molecule is present in a sample at aconcentration of at least 95% by weight, or at least 98% by weight ofthe sample in which it is contained.

An “isolated” nucleic acid molecule is a nucleic acid molecule that isseparated from at least one other nucleic acid molecule with which it isordinarily associated, for example, in its natural environment. Anisolated nucleic acid molecule further includes a nucleic acid moleculecontained in cells that ordinarily express the nucleic acid molecule,but the nucleic acid molecule is present extrachromosomally or at achromosomal location that is different from its natural chromosomallocation.

The term “vector,” as used herein, is intended to refer to a nucleicacid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which ithas been linked. One type of vector is a “plasmid,” which refers to acircular double stranded DNA into which additional DNA segments may beligated. Another type of vector is a phage vector. Another type ofvector is a viral vector, wherein additional DNA segments may be ligatedinto the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of autonomousreplication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g.,bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomalmammalian vectors). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors)can be integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction intothe host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host genome.Moreover, certain vectors are capable of directing the expression ofgenes to which they are operatively linked. Such vectors are referred toherein as “recombinant expression vectors,” or simply, “expressionvectors.” In general, expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNAtechniques are often in the form of plasmids. In the presentspecification, “plasmid” and “vector” may be used interchangeably as theplasmid is the most commonly used form of vector.

“Polynucleotide,” or “nucleic acid,” as used interchangeably herein,refer to polymers of nucleotides of any length, and include DNA and RNA.The nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modifiednucleotides or bases, and/or their analogs, or any substrate that can beincorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase or by a syntheticreaction. A polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such asmethylated nucleotides and their analogs. If present, modification tothe nucleotide structure may be imparted before or after assembly of thepolymer. The sequence of nucleotides may be interrupted bynon-nucleotide components. A polynucleotide may comprise modification(s)made after synthesis, such as conjugation to a label. Other types ofmodifications include, for example, “caps,” substitution of one or moreof the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog, internucleotidemodifications such as, for example, those with uncharged linkages (e.g.,methyl phosphonates, phosphotriesters, phosphoamidates, carbamates,etc.) and with charged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates,phosphorodithioates, etc.), those containing pendant moieties, such as,for example, proteins (e.g., nucleases, toxins, antibodies, signalpeptides, ply-L-lysine, etc.), those with intercalators (e.g., acridine,psoralen, etc.), those containing chelators (e.g., metals, radioactivemetals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.), those containing alkylators,those with modified linkages (e.g., alpha anomeric nucleic acids, etc.),as well as unmodified forms of the polynucleotides(s). Further, any ofthe hydroxyl groups ordinarily present in the sugars may be replaced,for example, by phosphonate groups, phosphate groups, protected bystandard protecting groups, or activated to prepare additional linkagesto additional nucleotides, or may be conjugated to solid or semi-solidsupports. The 5′ and 3′ terminal OH can be phosphorylated or substitutedwith amines or organic capping group moieties of from 1 to 20 carbonatoms. Other hydroxyls may also be derivatized to standard protectinggroups. Polynucleotides can also contain analogous forms of ribose ordeoxyribose sugars that are generally known in the art, including, forexample, 2′-O-methyl-, 2′-O-allyl-, 2′-fluoro- or 2′-azido-ribose,carbocyclic sugar analogs, α-anomeric sugars, epimeric sugars such asarabinose, xyloses or lyxoses, pyranose sugars, furanose sugars,sedoheptuloses, acyclic analogs, and basic nucleoside analogs such asmethyl riboside. One or more phosphodiester linkages may be replaced byalternative linking groups. These alternative linking groups include,but are not limited to, embodiments wherein phosphate is replaced byP(O)S (“thioate”), P(S)S (“dithioate”), (O)NR₂ (“amidate”), P(O)R,P(O)OR′, CO, or CH2 (“formacetal”), in which each R or R′ isindependently H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-20 C)optionally containing an ether (—O—) linkage, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl,cycloalkenyl or araldyl. Not all linkages in a polynucleotide need beidentical. The preceding description applies to all polynucleotidesreferred to herein, including RNA and DNA.

“Oligonucleotide,” as used herein, generally refers to short, generallysingle-stranded, generally synthetic polynucleotides that are generally,but not necessarily, less than about 200 nucleotides in length. Theterms “oligonucleotide” and “polynucleotide” are not mutually exclusive.The description above for polynucleotides is equally and fullyapplicable to oligonucleotides.

“Percent (%) amino acid sequence identity” with respect to a referencepolypeptide sequence is defined as the percentage of amino acid residuesin a candidate sequence that are identical with the amino acid residuesin the reference polypeptide sequence, after aligning the sequences andintroducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequenceidentity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part ofthe sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percentamino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that arewithin the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly availablecomputer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR)software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parametersfor aligning sequences, including any algorithms needed to achievemaximal alignment over the full length of the sequences being compared.For purposes herein, however, % amino acid sequence identity values aregenerated using the sequence comparison computer program ALIGN-2. TheALIGN-2 sequence comparison computer program was authored by Genentech,Inc., and the source code has been filed with user documentation in theU.S. Copyright Office, Washington D.C., 20559, where it is registeredunder U.S. Copyright Registration No. TXU510087. The ALIGN-2 program ispublicly available from Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif., ormay be compiled from the source code. The ALIGN-2 program should becompiled for use on a UNIX operating system, preferably digital UNIXV4.0D. All sequence comparison parameters are set by the ALIGN-2 programand do not vary.

In situations where ALIGN-2 is employed for amino acid sequencecomparisons, the % amino acid sequence identity of a given amino acidsequence A to, with, or against a given amino acid sequence B (which canalternatively be phrased as a given amino acid sequence A that has orcomprises a certain % amino acid sequence identity to, with, or againsta given amino acid sequence B) is calculated as follows:100 times the fraction X/Ywhere X is the number of amino acid residues scored as identical matchesby the sequence alignment program ALIGN-2 in that program's alignment ofA and B, and where Y is the total number of amino acid residues in B. Itwill be appreciated that where the length of amino acid sequence A isnot equal to the length of amino acid sequence B, the % amino acidsequence identity of A to B will not equal the % amino acid sequenceidentity of B to A. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all % aminoacid sequence identity values used herein are obtained as described inthe immediately preceding paragraph using the ALIGN-2 computer program.

The expression “control sequences” refers to DNA sequences necessary forthe expression of an operably linked coding sequence in a particularhost organism. The control sequences that are suitable for prokaryotes,for example, include a promoter, optionally an operator sequence, and aribosome binding site. Eukaryotic cells are known to utilize promoters,polyadenylation signals, and enhancers.

Nucleic acid is “operably linked” when it is placed into a functionalrelationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For example, DNA for apresequence or secretory leader is operably linked to DNA for apolypeptide if it is expressed as a preprotein that participates in thesecretion of the polypeptide; a promoter or enhancer is operably linkedto a coding sequence if it affects the transcription of the sequence; ora ribosome binding site is operably linked to a coding sequence if it ispositioned so as to facilitate translation. Generally, “operably linked”means that the DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and, in thecase of a secretory leader, contiguous and in reading phase. However,enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Linking is accomplished byligation at convenient restriction sites. If such sites do not exist,the synthetic oligonucleotide adaptors or linkers are used in accordancewith conventional practice.

As used herein, the expressions “cell,” “cell line,” and “cell culture”are used interchangeably and all such designations include progeny.Thus, the words “transformants” and “transformed cells” include theprimary subject cell and cultures derived therefrom without regard forthe number of transfers. It is also understood that all progeny may notbe precisely identical in DNA content, due to deliberate or inadvertentmutations. Mutant progeny that have the same function or biologicalactivity as screened for in the originally transformed cell areincluded. Where distinct designations are intended, it will be clearfrom the context.

“Cancer recurrence” herein refers to a return of cancer followingtreatment. In one embodiment, cancer recurrence includes return ofcancer in the breast, as well as distant recurrence, where the cancerreturns outside of the breast.

Compositions of the Invention

A key event in the multi-step process of metastasis involves the egressof a tumor cell away from the primary tumor mass. For solid tumors, thelymphatic system often provides a route for the departing cells. VEGF-Cis known to be a key modulator of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis andmetastasis in many tumor models, and inhibition of the VEGF-C axis isconsidered a promising strategy for inhibiting the development ofmetastasis.

The studies underlying the present invention, which are presented in theexamples below, support an important role of VEGF-C in angiogenesis,tumor lymphangiogenesis and metastasis. Additionally, the data set forthin the Examples demonstrate the presence of functional lymphatic vesselswithin tumors and show that treating with anti-VEGF-C results in areduction of these functional lymphatics. See also FIGS. 7-9, 12-14 and22

The invention encompasses isolated antibody and polynucleotideembodiments. In one embodiment, an anti-VEGF-C antibody is purified.

This invention also encompasses compositions, including pharmaceuticalcompositions, comprising an anti-VEGF-C antibody; and polynucleotidescomprising sequences encoding an anti-VEGF-C antibody. As used herein,compositions comprise one or more antibodies that bind to VEGF-C, and/orone or more polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding one or moreantibodies that bind to VEGF-C. These compositions may further comprisesuitable carriers, such as pharmaceutically acceptable excipientsincluding buffers, which are well known in the art.

In one embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibodies of the invention aremonoclonal. In yet another embodiment, the anti-VEGF-C antibodies arepolyclonal. Also encompassed within the scope of the invention are Fab,Fab′, Fab′-SH and F(ab′)₂ fragments of the anti-VEGF-C antibodiesprovided herein. These antibody fragments can be created by traditionalmeans, such as enzymatic digestion, or may be generated by recombinanttechniques. Such antibody fragments may be chimeric or humanized. Thesefragments are useful for the diagnostic and purposes set forth below. Inone embodiment, an anti-VEGF-C antibody is a chimeric, humanized, orhuman antibody.

Monoclonal antibodies are obtained from a population of substantiallyhomogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising thepopulation are identical except for possible naturally occurringmutations that may be present in minor amounts. Thus, the modifier“monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody as not being amixture of discrete antibodies.

Exemplary monoclonal antibodies derived from a phage library areprovided herein and described in Example 1. Those antibodies include,but not limited to VC1, VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3, VC1.4, VC1.5, VC1.6, VC1.7,VC1.8, VC1.9, VC1.10, VC1.11, VC1.12, VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2, VC1.12.3,VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5, VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9, VC1.12.10, VC3, VC4,VC4.2, VC4.3, VC4.4, VC4.5. The sequences of the heavy and light chainvariable domains of VC1, VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3, VC1.4, VC1.5, VC1.6,VC1.7, VC1.8, VC1.9, VC1.10, VC1.11, VC1.12, VC1.12.1, VC1.12.2,VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5, VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9, VC1.12.10,VC3, VC4, VC4.2, VC4.3, VC4.4, VC4.5 are shown in FIG. 1 a-f. Thesequences of the heavy and light chain variable domains of anti-VEGF-Cantibodies are also shown in FIGS. 23-30 and 38-39.

The HVR-H3 sequences of antibodies VC1, VC1.1, VC1.2, VC1.3, VC1.4,VC1.5, VC1.6, VC1.7, VC1.8, VC1.9, VC1.10, VC1.11, VC1.12, VC1.12.1,VC1.12.2, VC1.12.3, VC1.12.4, VC1.12.5, VC1.12.6, VC1.12.8, VC1.12.9,VC1.12.10 have no amino acid residues at positions 100a, 100b, 100c,100d and 100e. The HVR-H3 sequence of antibody VC3 has no amino acidresidue at position 100d. See also FIGS. 24, 28 and 30.

In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies that binds to VEGF-Cor a fragment described herein further comprises an amino acidsubstitution at position 297 to alanine. In certain embodiments, themonoclonal antibodies that binds to VEGF-C or a fragment describedherein further comprises an amino acid substitution at position 297 toalanine and at position 265 to alanine. In certain embodiments,anti-VEGF-C antibody VC4.5 comprises the amino acid substitution atposition 297 with alanine. In certain embodiments, anti-VEGF-C antibodyVC4.5 comprises the amino acid substitution at position 297 with alanineand at position 265 to alanine. In certain embodiments, anti-VEGF-Cantibodies VC1.12.1, VC1.12.4 and VC1.12.9 comprise the amino acidsubstitution at position 297 with alanine. In certain embodiments,anti-VEGF-C antibodies VC1.12.1, VC1.12.4 and VC1.12.9 comprise theamino acid substitution at position 297 with alanine and at position 265to alanine. In certain embodiments, antibodies comprising amino acidsubstitutions at positions 265 and 297 with alanine are referred to as“DANA”.

To screen for antibodies which bind to a particular epitope on theantigen of interest, a routine cross-blocking assay such as thatdescribed in Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring HarborLaboratory, Ed Harlow and David Lane (1988), can be performed.Alternatively, epitope mapping, e.g. as described in Champe et al.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:1388-1394, can be performed to determinewhether the antibody binds an epitope of interest. Further exemplaryembodiments of anti-VEGF-C antibodies are provided below.

Specific Embodiments of Anti-VEGF-C Antibodies

The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs:1 to 39 are numbered with respectto individual HVR (i.e., H1, H2 or H3) as indicated in FIG. 1 a-f, thenumbering being consistent with the Kabat numbering system as describedherein.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising a HVR-H1region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3or SEQ ID NO:4. In one aspect, the invention provides an antibodycomprising a HVR-H2 region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, SEQID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7 or SEQ ID NO:8. In one aspect, the inventionprovides an antibody comprising a HVR-H3 region comprising the sequenceof SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13,SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18,SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23,SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:25 or SEQ ID NO:26.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an antibody comprising aHVR-H1 region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and a HVR-H2region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:6. In one embodiment, theinvention provides an antibody comprising a HVR-H1 region comprising thesequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and a HVR-H3 region comprising the sequence ofSEQ ID NO:21. In one embodiment, the invention provides an antibodycomprising a HVR-H2 region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:6, and aHVR-H3 region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:21. In oneembodiment, the invention provides an antibody comprising a HVR-H1region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, a HVR-H2 regioncomprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:6, and a HVR-H3 region comprisingthe sequence of SEQ ID NO:21.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an antibody comprising aHVR-H1 region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, and a HVR-H2region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:8. In one embodiment, theinvention provides an antibody comprising a HVR-H1 region comprising thesequence of SEQ ID NO:3, and a HVR-H3 region comprising the sequence ofSEQ ID NO:26. In one embodiment, the invention provides an antibodycomprising a HVR-H2 region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, and aHVR-H3 region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:26. In oneembodiment, the invention provides an antibody comprising a HVR-H1region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, a HVR-H2 regioncomprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, and a HVR-H3 region comprisingthe sequence of SEQ ID NO:26.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising at leastone, at least two, or all three of the following:

(i) a HVR-H1 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;

(ii) a HVR-H2 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:6;

(iii) a HVR-H3 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:21.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising at leastone, at least two, or all three of the following:

(i) a HVR-H1 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:3;

(ii) a HVR-H2 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:8;

(iii) a HVR-H3 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:26.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising at leastone, at least two, or all three of the following:

(i) a HVR-L1 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:27;

(ii) a HVR-L2 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:28;

(iii) a HVR-L3 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:29.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising at leastone, at least two, or all three of the following:

(i) a HVR-L1 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:27;

(ii) a HVR-L2 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:28;

(iii) a HVR-L3 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:30.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising at leastone, at least two, or all three of the following:

(i) a HVR-L1 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:27;

(ii) a HVR-L2 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:28;

(iii) a HVR-L3 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:33.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising at leastone, at least two, or all three of the following:

(i) a HVR-L1 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:27;

(ii) a HVR-L2 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:28;

(iii) a HVR-L3 sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:37.

In one aspect, the invention provides antibodies comprising heavy chainHVR sequences as depicted in FIG. 1A-C. In one embodiment, the inventionprovides antibodies comprising heavy chain sequence SEQ ID NO:73 or SEQID NO:84.

In another aspect, the invention provides antibodies comprising lightchain HVR sequences as depicted in FIG. 1D-F. In one embodiment, theinvention provides antibodies comprising light chain sequence SEQ IDNO:74, SEQ ID NO:75, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ IDNO:79, SEQ ID NO:80. SEQ ID NO:81, SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO:83 or SEQ IDNO:85.

In another aspect of the invention, any anti-VEGF-C antibody of theinvention described herein, amino acid asparagine at position 297 issubstituted with amino acid alanine. In another embodiment, amino acidaspartic acid at position 265 is substituted with amino acid alanine. Inone embodiment, the antibody further comprises heavy chain sequence SEQID NO:73 or SEQ ID NO:84. In another embodiment, the antibody furthercomprises light chain HVR sequences as depicted in FIG. 1D-F. In anotherembodiment, the antibody further comprises light chain sequence SEQ IDNO:74, SEQ ID NO:75, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ IDNO:79, SEQ ID NO:80. SEQ ID NO:81, SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO:83 or SEQ IDNO:85.

In certain embodiments, the antibodies of the invention comprise a lightchain variable domain of humanized 4D5 antibody (huMAb4D5-8)(HERCEPTIN®, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif., USA) (alsoreferred to in U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,213 and Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol.(2004), 340(5):1073-93) as depicted in SEQ ID NO:71 below.

(SEQ ID NO: 71)¹Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly Asp ArgVal Thr Ile Thr Cys 

 Trp TyrGln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Ser Ala Ser Phe LeuTyr Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser 

 Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe ThrLeu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln

 Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys¹⁰⁷(HVR residues are underlined)

In one embodiment, the huMAb4D5-8 light chain variable domain sequenceis modified at one or more of positions 30, 66 and 91 (Asn, Arg and Hisas indicated in bold/italics above, respectively). In one embodiment,the modified huMAb4D5-8 sequence comprises Ser in position 30, Gly inposition 66 and/or Ser in position 91. Accordingly, in one embodiment,an antibody of the invention comprises a light chain variable domaincomprising the sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:72 below:

(SEQ ID NO: 72)¹Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly Asp ArgVal Thr Ile Thr Cys 

 Trp TyrGln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Ser Ala Ser Phe LeuTyr Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser 

 Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe ThrLeu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln

 Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys¹⁰⁷(HVR residues are underlined)

Substituted residues with respect to huMAb4D5-8 are indicated inbold/italics above.

Antibodies of the invention can comprise any suitable framework variabledomain sequence, provided binding activity to VEGF-C is substantiallyretained. For example, in some embodiments, antibodies of the inventioncomprise a human subgroup III heavy chain framework consensus sequence.In one embodiment of these antibodies, the framework consensus sequencecomprises substitution at position 71, 73 and/or 78. In some embodimentsof these antibodies, position 71 is A, 73 is T and/or 78 is A. In oneembodiment, these antibodies comprise heavy chain variable domainframework sequences of huMAb4D5-8 (HERCEPTIN®, Genentech, Inc., SouthSan Francisco, Calif., USA) (also referred to in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,407,213 & 5,821,337, and Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2004),340(5):1073-93). In one embodiment, these antibodies further comprise ahuman κI light chain framework consensus sequence. In one embodiment,these antibodies comprise light chain HVR sequences of huMAb4D5-8 asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,407,213 & 5,821,337). In one embodiment,these antibodies comprise light chain variable domain sequences ofhuMAb4D5-8 (HERCEPTIN®, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif.,USA) (also referred to in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,407,213 & 5,821,337, and Leeet al., J. Mol. Biol. (2004), 340(5):1073-93).

In one embodiment, an antibody of the invention comprises a heavy chainvariable domain, wherein the framework sequence comprises the sequencesof SEQ ID NOs:40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53,54, 55, 56, 57, or 58 (FIGS. 2A and 2B), and HVR H1, H2 and H3 sequencesare SEQ ID NOS:1, 6 and/or 21, respectively. In one embodiment, anantibody of the invention comprises a light chain variable domain,wherein the framework sequence comprises the sequences of SEQ ID NOs:59,60, 61 or 62 (FIG. 3), HVR L1 and L2 sequences are SEQ ID NOS:27 and 28,respectively, and HVR L3 sequence is SEQ ID NOs:30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,36, 37 or 38, respectively.

In one embodiment, an antibody of the invention comprises a heavy chainvariable domain, wherein the framework sequence comprises the sequencesof SEQ ID NOs:40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53,54, 55, 56, 57, or 58, and HVR H1, H2 and H3 sequences are SEQ ID NOs:3,8 and 26, respectively. In one embodiment, an antibody of the inventioncomprises a light chain variable domain, wherein the framework sequencecomprises the sequences of SEQ ID NOs:59, 60, 61 and or 62, and HVR L1,L2 and L3 sequences are SEQ ID NOs:27, 28 and 29, respectively.

In one embodiment, an antibody of the invention comprises a heavy chainvariable domain comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:73. In oneembodiment, an antibody of the invention comprises a light chainvariable domain comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NOs:74, 75, 76, 77,78, 79, 80, 81, 82 or 83. In one embodiment, an antibody of theinvention comprises a heavy chain variable domain comprising thesequence of SEQ ID NO:84 and a light chain variable domain comprisingthe sequence of SEQ ID NO:85.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody that competes with anyof the above-mentioned antibodies for binding to VEGF-C. In anotheraspect, the invention provides an antibody that binds to the sameepitope on VEGF-C as any of the above-mentioned antibodies.

Antibody Fragments

The present invention encompasses antibody fragments. Antibody fragmentsmay be generated by traditional means, such as enzymatic digestion, orby recombinant techniques. In certain circumstances there are advantagesof using antibody fragments, rather than whole antibodies. The smallersize of the fragments allows for rapid clearance, and may lead toimproved access to solid tumors. For a review of certain antibodyfragments, see Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134.

Various techniques have been developed for the production of antibodyfragments. Traditionally, these fragments were derived via proteolyticdigestion of intact antibodies (see, e.g., Morimoto et al., Journal ofBiochemical and Biophysical Methods 24:107-117 (1992); and Brennan etal., Science, 229:81 (1985)). However, these fragments can now beproduced directly by recombinant host cells. Fab, Fv and ScFv antibodyfragments can all be expressed in and secreted from E. coli, thusallowing the facile production of large amounts of these fragments.Antibody fragments can be isolated from the antibody phage librariesdiscussed above. Alternatively, Fab′-SH fragments can be directlyrecovered from E. coli and chemically coupled to form F(ab′)₂ fragments(Carter et al., Bio/Technology 10:163-167 (1992)). According to anotherapproach, F(ab′)₂ fragments can be isolated directly from recombinanthost cell culture. Fab and F(ab′)₂ fragment with increased in vivohalf-life comprising salvage receptor binding epitope residues aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,046. Other techniques for theproduction of antibody fragments will be apparent to the skilledpractitioner. In certain embodiments, an antibody is a single chain Fvfragment (scFv). See WO 93/16185; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,571,894; and5,587,458. Fv and scFv are the only species with intact combining sitesthat are devoid of constant regions; thus, they may be suitable forreduced nonspecific binding during in vivo use. scFv fusion proteins maybe constructed to yield fusion of an effector protein at either theamino or the carboxy terminus of an scFv. See Antibody Engineering, ed.Borrebaeck, supra. The antibody fragment may also be a “linearantibody”, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,870, for example.Such linear antibodies may be monospecific or bispecific.

Humanized Antibodies

The invention encompasses humanized antibodies. Various methods forhumanizing non-human antibodies are known in the art. For example, ahumanized antibody can have one or more amino acid residues introducedinto it from a source which is non-human. These non-human amino acidresidues are often referred to as “import” residues, which are typicallytaken from an “import” variable domain. Humanization can be essentiallyperformed following the method of Winter and co-workers (Jones et al.(1986) Nature 321:522-525; Riechmann et al. (1988) Nature 332:323-327;Verhoeyen et al. (1988) Science 239:1534-1536), by substitutinghypervariable region sequences for the corresponding sequences of ahuman antibody. Accordingly, such “humanized” antibodies are chimericantibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567) wherein substantially less than anintact human variable domain has been substituted by the correspondingsequence from a non-human species. In practice, humanized antibodies aretypically human antibodies in which some hypervariable region residuesand possibly some FR residues are substituted by residues from analogoussites in rodent antibodies.

The choice of human variable domains, both light and heavy, to be usedin making the humanized antibodies can be important to reduceantigenicity. According to the so-called “best-fit” method, the sequenceof the variable domain of a rodent antibody is screened against theentire library of known human variable-domain sequences. The humansequence which is closest to that of the rodent is then accepted as thehuman framework for the humanized antibody. See, e.g., Sims et al.(1993) J. Immunol. 151:2296; Chothia et al. (1987) J. Mol. Biol.196:901. Another method uses a particular framework derived from theconsensus sequence of all human antibodies of a particular subgroup oflight or heavy chains. The same framework may be used for severaldifferent humanized antibodies. See, e.g., Carter et al. (1992) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:4285; Presta et al. (1993) J. Immunol.,151:2623.

It is further generally desirable that antibodies be humanized withretention of high affinity for the antigen and other favorablebiological properties. To achieve this goal, according to one method,humanized antibodies are prepared by a process of analysis of theparental sequences and various conceptual humanized products usingthree-dimensional models of the parental and humanized sequences.Three-dimensional immunoglobulin models are commonly available and arefamiliar to those skilled in the art. Computer programs are availablewhich illustrate and display probable three-dimensional conformationalstructures of selected candidate immunoglobulin sequences. Inspection ofthese displays permits analysis of the likely role of the residues inthe functioning of the candidate immunoglobulin sequence, i.e., theanalysis of residues that influence the ability of the candidateimmunoglobulin to bind its antigen. In this way, FR residues can beselected and combined from the recipient and import sequences so thatthe desired antibody characteristic, such as increased affinity for thetarget antigen(s), is achieved. In general, the hypervariable regionresidues are directly and most substantially involved in influencingantigen binding.

Human Antibodies

Human antibodies of the invention can be constructed by combining Fvclone variable domain sequence(s) selected from human-derived phagedisplay libraries with known human constant domain sequences(s) asdescribed above. Alternatively, human monoclonal antibodies of theinvention can be made by the hybridoma method. Human myeloma andmouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines for the production of humanmonoclonal antibodies have been described, for example, by Kozbor J.Immunol., 133: 3001 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal AntibodyProduction Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc.,New York, 1987); and Boerner et al., J. Immunol., 147: 86 (1991).

It is now possible to produce transgenic animals (e.g. mice) that arecapable, upon immunization, of producing a full repertoire of humanantibodies in the absence of endogenous immunoglobulin production. Forexample, it has been described that the homozygous deletion of theantibody heavy-chain joining region (JH) gene in chimeric and germ-linemutant mice results in complete inhibition of endogenous antibodyproduction. Transfer of the human germ-line immunoglobulin gene array insuch germ-line mutant mice will result in the production of humanantibodies upon antigen challenge. See, e.g., Jakobovits et al., Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90: 2551 (1993); Jakobovits et al., Nature, 362:255 (1993); Bruggermann et al., Year in Immunol., 7: 33 (1993).

Gene shuffling can also be used to derive human antibodies fromnon-human, e.g. rodent, antibodies, where the human antibody has similaraffinities and specificities to the starting non-human antibody.According to this method, which is also called “epitope imprinting”,either the heavy or light chain variable region of a non-human antibodyfragment obtained by phage display techniques as described herein isreplaced with a repertoire of human V domain genes, creating apopulation of non-human chain/human chain scFv or Fab chimeras.Selection with antigen results in isolation of a non-human chain/humanchain chimeric scFv or Fab wherein the human chain restores the antigenbinding site destroyed upon removal of the corresponding non-human chainin the primary phage display clone, i.e. the epitope governs (imprints)the choice of the human chain partner. When the process is repeated inorder to replace the remaining non-human chain, a human antibody isobtained (see PCT WO 93/06213 published Apr. 1, 1993). Unliketraditional humanization of non-human antibodies by CDR grafting, thistechnique provides completely human antibodies, which have no FR or CDRresidues of non-human origin.

Multispecific Antibodies

One example of a multispecific antibody of this invention includes anantibody that binds to VEGF-C and to another antigen. In otherembodiments, multispecific antibodies may bind to two different epitopesof VEGF-C. Multispecific antibodies may also be used to localizecytotoxic agents to cells which express VEGF-C. These antibodies possessa VEGF-C-binding arm and an arm which binds a cytotoxic agent, such as,e.g., saporin, anti-interferon-α, vinca alkaloid, ricin A chain,methotrexate or radioactive isotope hapten. Multispecific antibodies canbe prepared as full length antibodies or antibody fragments (e.g.F(ab′)₂ bispecific antibodies).

Various methods for making bispecific antibodies have been described inthe art. One of the first approaches involved co-expression of twoimmunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs, where the two heavy chainshave different specificities (Milstein and Cuello, Nature, 305: 537(1983)). Because of the random assortment of immunoglobulin heavy andlight chains, these hybridomas (quadromas) produce a potential mixtureof 10 different antibody molecules, of which only one has the correctbispecific structure. The purification of the correct molecule, which isusually done by affinity chromatography steps, is rather cumbersome, andthe product yields are low. Similar procedures are disclosed in WO93/08829 published May 13, 1993, and in Traunecker et al., EMBO J., 10:3655 (1991).

According to a different approach, antibody variable domains are fusedto immunoglobulin constant domain sequences. The fusion, for example, iswith an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant domain, comprising at leastpart of the hinge, CH2, and CH3 regions. In certain embodiments, thefirst heavy-chain constant region (CH1) is present in at least one ofthe fusions. DNAs encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain fusions and,if desired, the immunoglobulin light chain, are inserted into separateexpression vectors, and are co-transfected into a suitable hostorganism. This provides for great flexibility in adjusting the mutualproportions of the three polypeptide fragments in embodiments whenunequal ratios of the three polypeptide chains used in the constructionprovide the optimum yields. It is, however, possible to insert thecoding sequences for two or all three polypeptide chains in oneexpression vector when the expression of at least two polypeptide chainsin equal ratios results in high yields or when the ratios are of noparticular significance.

In one embodiment of this approach, the bispecific antibodies arecomposed of a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain with a first bindingspecificity in one arm, and a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain-lightchain pair (providing a second binding specificity) in the other arm. Itwas found that this asymmetric structure facilitates the separation ofthe desired bispecific compound from unwanted immunoglobulin chaincombinations, as the presence of an immunoglobulin light chain in onlyone half of the bispecific molecule provides for a facile way ofseparation. This approach is disclosed in WO 94/04690. For furtherdetails of generating bispecific antibodies see, for example, Suresh etal., Methods in Enzymology, 121:210 (1986).

According to another approach, “knob-into-hole” or “KnH” technologyrefers to a technology that directs the pairing of two polypeptidestogether in vitro or in vivo by introducing a pertuberance (knob) intoone polypeptide and a cavity (hole) into the other polypeptide at aninterface in which they interact. For example, KnHs have been introducedin the Fc:Fc binding interfaces, CL:CH1 interfaces or VH/VL interfacesof antibodies (e.g., US20007/0178552, WO 96/027011, WO 98/050431 and Zhuet al. (1997) Protein Science 6:781-788). This is especially useful indriving the pairing of two different heavy chains together during themanufacture of multispecific antibodies. For example, multispecificantibodies having KnH in their Fc regions can further comprise singlevariable domains linked to each Fc region, or further comprise differentheavy chain variable domains that pair with similar or different lightchain variable domains. According to one embodiment, one or more smallamino acid side chains from the interface of the first antibody moleculeare replaced with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan).Compensatory “cavities” of identical or similar size to the large sidechain(s) are created on the interface of the second antibody molecule byreplacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanineor threonine). This provides a mechanism for increasing the yield of theheterodimer over other unwanted end-products such as homodimers.

Multispecific antibodies include cross-linked or “heteroconjugate”antibodies. For example, one of the antibodies in the heteroconjugatecan be coupled to avidin, the other to biotin. Such antibodies have, forexample, been proposed to target immune system cells to unwanted cells(U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980), and for treatment of HIV infection (WO91/00360, WO 92/00373, and EP 03089). Heteroconjugate antibodies may bemade using any convenient cross-linking method. Suitable cross-linkingagents and techniques are known (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980).

Techniques for generating multispecific antibodies from antibodyfragments have also been described in the literature. For example,bispecific antibodies can be prepared using chemical linkage. Brennan etal., Science, 229: 81 (1985) describe a procedure wherein intactantibodies are proteolytically cleaved to generate F(ab′)₂ fragments.These fragments are reduced in the presence of the dithiol complexingagent sodium arsenite to stabilize vicinal dithiols and preventintermolecular disulfide formation. The Fab′ fragments generated arethen converted to thionitrobenzoate (TNB) derivatives. One of theFab′-TNB derivatives is then reconverted to the Fab′-thiol by reductionwith mercaptoethylamine and is mixed with an equimolar amount of theother Fab′-TNB derivative to form the bispecific antibody. Thebispecific antibodies produced can be used as agents for the selectiveimmobilization of enzymes.

Fab′-SH fragments can be recovered from E. coli and can be chemicallycoupled to form bispecific antibodies. Shalaby et al., J. Exp. Med.,175: 217-225 (1992) describe the production of a fully humanizedbispecific antibody F(ab′)₂ molecule. Each Fab′ fragment was separatelysecreted from E. coli and subjected to directed chemical coupling invitro to form the bispecific antibody. The bispecific antibody thusformed was able to bind to cells overexpressing the HER2 receptor andnormal human T cells, as well as trigger the lytic activity of humancytotoxic lymphocytes against human breast tumor targets.

Various techniques for making and isolating bispecific antibodyfragments directly from recombinant cell culture have also beendescribed. For example, bispecific antibodies have been produced usingleucine zippers. Kostelny et al., J. Immunol., 148(5):1547-1553 (1992).The leucine zipper peptides from the Fos and Jun proteins were linked tothe Fab′ portions of two different antibodies by gene fusion. Theantibody homodimers were reduced at the hinge region to form monomersand then re-oxidized to form the antibody heterodimers. This method canalso be utilized for the production of antibody homodimers. The“diabody” technology described by Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA, 90:6444-6448 (1993) has provided an alternative mechanism formaking bispecific antibody fragments. The fragments comprise aheavy-chain variable domain (VH) connected to a light-chain variabledomain (VL) by a linker which is too short to allow pairing between thetwo domains on the same chain. Accordingly, the VH and VL domains of onefragment are forced to pair with the complementary VL and VH domains ofanother fragment, thereby forming two antigen-binding sites. Anotherstrategy for making bispecific antibody fragments by the use ofsingle-chain Fv (sFv) dimers has also been reported. See Gruber et al.,J. Immunol., 152:5368 (1994).

Antibodies with more than two valencies are contemplated. For example,trispecific antibodies can be prepared. Tutt et al. J. Immunol. 147: 60(1991).

Single-Domain Antibodies

In some embodiments, an antibody of the invention is a single-domainantibody. A single-domain antibody is a single polypeptide chaincomprising all or a portion of the heavy chain variable domain or all ora portion of the light chain variable domain of an antibody. In certainembodiments, a single-domain antibody is a human single-domain antibody(Domantis, Inc., Waltham, Mass.; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,516 B1).In one embodiment, a single-domain antibody consists of all or a portionof the heavy chain variable domain of an antibody.

Antibody Variants

In some embodiments, amino acid sequence modification(s) of theantibodies described herein are contemplated. For example, it may bedesirable to improve the binding affinity and/or other biologicalproperties of the antibody. Amino acid sequence variants of the antibodymay be prepared by introducing appropriate changes into the nucleotidesequence encoding the antibody, or by peptide synthesis. Suchmodifications include, for example, deletions from, and/or insertionsinto and/or substitutions of, residues within the amino acid sequencesof the antibody. Any combination of deletion, insertion, andsubstitution can be made to arrive at the final construct, provided thatthe final construct possesses the desired characteristics. The aminoacid alterations may be introduced in the subject antibody amino acidsequence at the time that sequence is made.

A useful method for identification of certain residues or regions of theantibody that are preferred locations for mutagenesis is called “alaninescanning mutagenesis” as described by Cunningham and Wells (1989)Science, 244:1081-1085. Here, a residue or group of target residues areidentified (e.g., charged residues such as arg, asp, his, lys, and glu)and replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino acid (e.g.,alanine or polyalanine) to affect the interaction of the amino acidswith antigen. Those amino acid locations demonstrating functionalsensitivity to the substitutions then are refined by introducing furtheror other variants at, or for, the sites of substitution. Thus, while thesite for introducing an amino acid sequence variation is predetermined,the nature of the mutation per se need not be predetermined. Forexample, to analyze the performance of a mutation at a given site, alascanning or random mutagenesis is conducted at the target codon orregion and the expressed immunoglobulins are screened for the desiredactivity.

Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminalfusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing ahundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of singleor multiple amino acid residues. Examples of terminal insertions includean antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue. Other insertionalvariants of the antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- orC-terminus of the antibody to an enzyme (e.g. for ADEPT) or apolypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody.

In certain embodiments, an antibody of the invention is altered toincrease or decrease the extent to which the antibody is glycosylated.Glycosylation of polypeptides is typically either N-linked or O-linked.N-linked refers to the attachment of a carbohydrate moiety to the sidechain of an asparagine residue. The tripeptide sequencesasparagine-X-serine and asparagine-X-threonine, where X is any aminoacid except proline, are the recognition sequences for enzymaticattachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain.Thus, the presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in apolypeptide creates a potential glycosylation site. O-linkedglycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugarsN-aceylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, mostcommonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or5-hydroxylysine may also be used.

Addition or deletion of glycosylation sites to the antibody isconveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such thatone or more of the above-described tripeptide sequences (for N-linkedglycosylation sites) is created or removed. The alteration may also bemade by the addition, deletion, or substitution of one or more serine orthreonine residues to the sequence of the original antibody (forO-linked glycosylation sites).

Where the antibody comprises an Fc region, the carbohydrate attachedthereto may be altered. Native antibodies produced by mammalian cellstypically comprise a branched, biantennary oligosaccharide that isgenerally attached by an N-linkage to Asn297 of the CH2 domain of the Fcregion. See, e.g., Wright et al. (1997) TIBTECH 15:26-32. Theoligosaccharide may include various carbohydrates, e.g., mannose,N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc), galactose, and sialic acid, as well as afucose attached to a GlcNAc in the “stem” of the biantennaryoligosaccharide structure. In some embodiments, modifications of theoligosaccharide in an antibody of the invention may be made in order tocreate antibody variants with certain improved properties.

For example, antibody variants are provided having a carbohydratestructure that lacks fucose attached (directly or indirectly) to an Fcregion. Such variants may have improved ADCC function. See, e.g., USPatent Publication Nos. US 2003/0157108 (Presta, L.); US 2004/0093621(Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd). Examples of publications related to“defucosylated” or “fucose-deficient” antibody variants include: US2003/0157108; WO 2000/61739; WO 2001/29246; US 2003/0115614; US2002/0164328; US 2004/0093621; US 2004/0132140; US 2004/0110704; US2004/0110282; US 2004/0109865; WO 2003/085119; WO 2003/084570; WO2005/035586; WO 2005/035778; WO2005/053742; WO2002/031140; Okazaki etal. J. Mol. Biol. 336:1239-1249 (2004); Yamane-Ohnuki et al. Biotech.Bioeng. 87: 614 (2004). Examples of cell lines capable of producingdefucosylated antibodies include Lec13 CHO cells deficient in proteinfucosylation (Ripka et al. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 249:533-545 (1986);US Pat Appl No US 2003/0157108 A1, Presta, L; and WO 2004/056312 A1,Adams et al., especially at Example 11), and knockout cell lines, suchas alpha-1,6-fucosyltransferase gene, FUT8, knockout CHO cells (see,e.g., Yamane-Ohnuki et al. Biotech. Bioeng. 87: 614 (2004); Kanda, Y. etal., Biotechnol. Bioeng., 94(4):680-688 (2006); and WO2003/085107).

Antibodies variants are further provided with bisected oligosaccharides,e.g., in which a biantennary oligosaccharide attached to the Fc regionof the antibody is bisected by GlcNAc. Such antibody variants may havereduced fucosylation and/or improved ADCC function. Examples of suchantibody variants are described, e.g., in WO 2003/011878 (Jean-Mairet etal.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,684 (Umana et al.); and US 2005/0123546 (Umanaet al.). Antibody variants with at least one galactose residue in theoligosaccharide attached to the Fc region are also provided. Suchantibody variants may have improved CDC function. Such antibody variantsare described, e.g., in WO 1997/30087 (Patel et al.); WO 1998/58964(Raju, S.); and WO 1999/22764 (Raju, S.).

In certain embodiments, an antibody variant comprises an Fc region withone or more amino acid substitutions which further improve ADCC, forexample, substitutions at positions 298, 333, and/or 334 of the Fcregion (Eu numbering of residues). Such substitutions may occur incombination with any of the variations described above.

In certain embodiments, an anti-VEGF-C antibody variant comprises an Fcregion with an amino substitution at position 297.

In certain embodiments, the invention contemplates an antibody variantthat possesses some but not all effector functions, which make it adesirable candidate for many applications in which the half life of theantibody in vivo is important yet certain effector functions (such ascomplement and ADCC) are unnecessary or deleterious. In certainembodiments, the Fc activities of the antibody are measured to ensurethat only the desired properties are maintained. In vitro and/or in vivocytotoxicity assays can be conducted to confirm the reduction/depletionof CDC and/or ADCC activities. For example, Fc receptor (FcR) bindingassays can be conducted to ensure that the antibody lacks FcγR binding(hence likely lacking ADCC activity), but retains FcRn binding ability.The primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, express FcγRIII only,whereas monocytes express FcγRI, FcγRII and FcγRIII. FcR expression onhematopoietic cells is summarized in Table 3 on page 464 of Ravetch andKinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 9:457-92 (1991). Non-limiting examples of invitro assays to assess ADCC activity of a molecule of interest isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,362 (see, e.g. Hellstrom, I., et al.Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 83:7059-7063 (1986)) and Hellstrom, I et al.,Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 82:1499-1502 (1985); U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,337(see Bruggemann, M. et al., J. Exp. Med. 166:1351-1361 (1987)).Alternatively, non-radioactive assays methods may be employed (see, forexample, ACTI™ non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay for flow cytometry(CellTechnology, Inc. Mountain View, Calif.; and CytoTox 96®non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay (Promega, Madison, Wis.). Usefuleffector cells for such assays include peripheral blood mononuclearcells (PBMC) and Natural Killer (NK) cells. Alternatively, oradditionally, ADCC activity of the molecule of interest may be assessedin vivo, e.g., in a animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al.Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95:652-656 (1998). C1q binding assays mayalso be carried out to confirm that the antibody is unable to bind C1qand hence lacks CDC activity. To assess complement activation, a CDCassay may be performed (see, for example, Gazzano-Santoro et al., J.Immunol. Methods 202:163 (1996); Cragg, M. S. et al., Blood101:1045-1052 (2003); and Cragg, M. S. and M. J. Glennie, Blood103:2738-2743 (2004)). FcRn binding and in vivo clearance/half lifedeterminations can also be performed using methods known in the art(see, for example, Petkova, S. B. et al., Int'l. Immunol.18(12):1759-1769 (2006)).

Other antibody variants having one or more amino acid substitutions areprovided. Sites of interest for substitutional mutagenesis include thehypervariable regions, but FR alterations are also contemplated.Conservative substitutions are shown in Table 1 under the heading of“preferred substitutions.” More substantial changes, denominated“exemplary substitutions” are provided in Table 1, or as furtherdescribed below in reference to amino acid classes. Amino acidsubstitutions may be introduced into an antibody of interest and theproducts screened, e.g., for a desired activity, such as improvedantigen binding, decreased immunogenicity, improved ADCC or CDC, etc.

TABLE 1 Original Exemplary Preferred Residue Substitutions SubstitutionsAla (A) Val; Leu; Ile Val Arg (R) Lys; Gln; Asn Lys Asn (N) Gln; His;Asp, Lys; Arg Gln Asp (D) Glu; Asn Glu Cys (C) Ser; Ala Ser Gln (Q) Asn;Glu Asn Glu (E) Asp; Gln Asp Gly (G) Ala Ala His (H) Asn; Gln; Lys; ArgArg Ile (I) Leu; Val; Met; Ala; Leu Phe; Norleucine Leu (L) Norleucine;Ile; Val; Ile Met; Ala; Phe Lys (K) Arg; Gln; Asn Arg Met (M) Leu; Phe;Ile Leu Phe (F) Trp; Leu; Val; Ile; Ala; Tyr Tyr Pro (P) Ala Ala Ser (S)Thr Thr Thr (T) Val; Ser Ser Trp (W) Tyr; Phe Tyr Tyr (Y) Trp; Phe; Thr;Ser Phe Val (V) Ile; Leu; Met; Phe; Leu Ala; Norleucine

Modifications in the biological properties of an antibody may beaccomplished by selecting substitutions that affect (a) the structure ofthe polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example,as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity ofthe molecule at the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain.Amino acids may be grouped according to similarities in the propertiesof their side chains (in A. L. Lehninger, in Biochemistry, second ed.,pp. 73-75, Worth Publishers, New York (1975)):

-   -   (1) non-polar: Ala (A), Val (V), Leu (L), Ile (I), Pro (P), Phe        (F), Trp (W), Met (M)    -   (2) uncharged polar: Gly (G), Ser (S), Thr (T), Cys (C), Tyr        (Y), Asn (N), Gln (O)    -   (3) acidic: Asp (D), Glu (E)    -   (4) basic: Lys (K), Arg (R), His (H)    -   Alternatively, naturally occurring residues may be divided into        groups based on common side-chain properties:        -   (1) hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile;        -   (2) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln;        -   (3) acidic: Asp, Glu;        -   (4) basic: His, Lys, Arg;        -   (5) residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro;        -   (6) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe.

Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a member of one ofthese classes for another class. Such substituted residues also may beintroduced into the conservative substitution sites or, into theremaining (non-conserved) sites.

One type of substitutional variant involves substituting one or morehypervariable region residues of a parent antibody (e.g. a humanized orhuman antibody). Generally, the resulting variant(s) selected forfurther development will have modified (e.g., improved) biologicalproperties relative to the parent antibody from which they aregenerated. An exemplary substitutional variant is an affinity maturedantibody, which may be conveniently generated using phage display-basedaffinity maturation techniques. Briefly, several hypervariable regionsites (e.g. 6-7 sites) are mutated to generate all possible amino acidsubstitutions at each site. The antibodies thus generated are displayedfrom filamentous phage particles as fusions to at least part of a phagecoat protein (e.g., the gene III product of M13) packaged within eachparticle. The phage-displayed variants are then screened for theirbiological activity (e.g. binding affinity). In order to identifycandidate hypervariable region sites for modification, scanningmutagenesis (e.g., alanine scanning) can be performed to identifyhypervariable region residues contributing significantly to antigenbinding. Alternatively, or additionally, it may be beneficial to analyzea crystal structure of the antigen-antibody complex to identify contactpoints between the antibody and antigen. Such contact residues andneighboring residues are candidates for substitution according totechniques known in the art, including those elaborated herein. Oncesuch variants are generated, the panel of variants is subjected toscreening using techniques known in the art, including those describedherein, and variants with superior properties in one or more relevantassays may be selected for further development.

Nucleic acid molecules encoding amino acid sequence variants of theantibody are prepared by a variety of methods known in the art. Thesemethods include, but are not limited to, isolation from a natural source(in the case of naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants) orpreparation by oligonucleotide-mediated (or site-directed) mutagenesis,PCR mutagenesis, and cassette mutagenesis of an earlier prepared variantor a non-variant version of the antibody.

It may be desirable to introduce one or more amino acid modifications inan Fc region of antibodies of the invention, thereby generating an Fcregion variant. The Fc region variant may comprise a human Fc regionsequence (e.g., a human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4 Fc region) comprisingan amino acid modification (e.g. a substitution) at one or more aminoacid positions including that of a hinge cysteine.

In accordance with this description and the teachings of the art, it iscontemplated that in some embodiments, an antibody of the invention maycomprise one or more alterations as compared to the wild typecounterpart antibody, e.g. in the Fc region. These antibodies wouldnonetheless retain substantially the same characteristics required fortherapeutic utility as compared to their wild type counterpart. Forexample, it is thought that certain alterations can be made in the Fcregion that would result in altered (i.e., either improved ordiminished) C1q binding and/or Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC),e.g., as described in WO99/51642. See also Duncan & Winter, Nature322:738-40 (1988); U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,260; U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,821; andWO94/29351 concerning other examples of Fc region variants. WO00/42072(Presta) and WO 2004/056312 (Lowman) describe antibody variants withimproved or diminished binding to FcRs. The content of these patentpublications are specifically incorporated herein by reference. See,also, Shields et al. J. Biol. Chem. 9(2): 6591-6604 (2001). Antibodieswith increased half lives and improved binding to the neonatal Fcreceptor (FcRn), which is responsible for the transfer of maternal IgGsto the fetus (Guyer et al., J. Immunol. 117:587 (1976) and Kim et al.,J. Immunol. 24:249 (1994)), are described in US2005/0014934A1 (Hinton etal.). These antibodies comprise an Fc region with one or moresubstitutions therein which improve binding of the Fc region to FcRn.Polypeptide variants with altered Fc region amino acid sequences andincreased or decreased C1q binding capability are described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,194,551B1, WO99/51642. The contents of those patent publicationsare specifically incorporated herein by reference. See, also, Idusogieet al. J. Immunol. 164: 4178-4184 (2000).

In another aspect, the invention provides antibodies comprisingmodifications in the interface of Fc polypeptides comprising the Fcregion, wherein the modifications facilitate and/or promoteheterodimerization. These modifications comprise introduction of aprotuberance into a first Fc polypeptide and a cavity into a second Fcpolypeptide, wherein the protuberance is positionable in the cavity soas to promote complexing of the first and second Fc polypeptides.Methods of generating antibodies with these modifications are known inthe art, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,168.

In yet another aspect, it may be desirable to create cysteine engineeredantibodies, e.g., “thioMAbs,” in which one or more residues of anantibody are substituted with cysteine residues. In particularembodiments, the substituted residues occur at accessible sites of theantibody. By substituting those residues with cysteine, reactive thiolgroups are thereby positioned at accessible sites of the antibody andmay be used to conjugate the antibody to other moieties, such as drugmoieties or linker-drug moieties, as described further herein. Incertain embodiments, any one or more of the following residues may besubstituted with cysteine: V205 (Kabat numbering) of the light chain;A118 (EU numbering) of the heavy chain; and S400 (EU numbering) of theheavy chain Fc region.

Antibody Derivatives

The antibodies of the present invention can be further modified tocontain additional nonproteinaceous moieties that are known in the artand readily available. Preferably, the moieties suitable forderivatization of the antibody are water soluble polymers. Non-limitingexamples of water soluble polymers include, but are not limited to,polyethylene glycol (PEG), copolymers of ethylene glycol/propyleneglycol, carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-1,3-dioxolane, poly-1,3,6-trioxane, ethylene/maleicanhydride copolymer, polyaminoacids (either homopolymers or randomcopolymers), and dextran or poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone)polyethyleneglycol, propropylene glycol homopolymers, prolypropylene oxide/ethyleneoxide co-polymers, polyoxyethylated polyols (e.g., glycerol), polyvinylalcohol, and mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde mayhave advantages in manufacturing due to its stability in water. Thepolymer may be of any molecular weight, and may be branched orunbranched. The number of polymers attached to the antibody may vary,and if more than one polymer are attached, they can be the same ordifferent molecules. In general, the number and/or type of polymers usedfor derivatization can be determined based on considerations including,but not limited to, the particular properties or functions of theantibody to be improved, whether the antibody derivative will be used ina therapy under defined conditions, etc.

In another embodiment, conjugates of an antibody and nonproteinaceousmoiety that may be selectively heated by exposure to radiation areprovided. In one embodiment, the nonproteinaceous moiety is a carbonnanotube (Kam et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102: 11600-11605(2005)). The radiation may be of any wavelength, and includes, but isnot limited to, wavelengths that do not harm ordinary cells, but whichheat the nonproteinaceous moiety to a temperature at which cellsproximal to the antibody-nonproteinaceous moiety are killed.

Immunoconjugates

The invention also provides immunoconjugates (interchangeably referredto as “antibody-drug conjugates,” or “ADCs”) comprising an antibodyconjugated to one or more cytotoxic agents, such as a chemotherapeuticagent, a drug, a growth inhibitory agent, a toxin (e.g., a proteintoxin, an enzymatically active toxin of bacterial, fungal, plant, oranimal origin, or fragments thereof), or a radioactive isotope (i.e., aradioconjugate).

Immunoconjugates have been used for the local delivery of cytotoxicagents, i.e., drugs that kill or inhibit the growth or proliferation ofcells, in the treatment of cancer (Lambert, J. (2005) Curr. Opinion inPharmacology 5:543-549; Wu et al (2005) Nature Biotechnology23(9):1137-1146; Payne, G. (2003) i 3:207-212; Syrigos and Epenetos(1999) Anticancer Research 19:605-614; Niculescu-Duvaz and Springer(1997) Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 26:151-172; U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,278).Immunoconjugates allow for the targeted delivery of a drug moiety to atumor, and intracellular accumulation therein, where systemicadministration of unconjugated drugs may result in unacceptable levelsof toxicity to normal cells as well as the tumor cells sought to beeliminated (Baldwin et al., Lancet (Mar. 15, 1986) pp. 603-05; Thorpe(1985) “Antibody Carriers Of Cytotoxic Agents In Cancer Therapy: AReview,” in Monoclonal Antibodies '84: Biological And ClinicalApplications (A. Pinchera et al., eds) pp. 475-506. Both polyclonalantibodies and monoclonal antibodies have been reported as useful inthese strategies (Rowland et al., (1986) Cancer Immunol. Immunother.21:183-87). Drugs used in these methods include daunomycin, doxorubicin,methotrexate, and vindesine (Rowland et al., (1986) supra). Toxins usedin antibody-toxin conjugates include bacterial toxins such as diphtheriatoxin, plant toxins such as ricin, small molecule toxins such asgeldanamycin (Mandler et al (2000) J. Nat. Cancer Inst.92(19):1573-1581; Mandler et al (2000) Bioorganic & Med. Chem. Letters10:1025-1028; Mandler et al (2002) Bioconjugate Chem. 13:786-791),maytansinoids (EP 1391213; Liu et al., (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA93:8618-8623), and calicheamicin (Lode et al (1998) Cancer Res. 58:2928;Hinman et al (1993) Cancer Res. 53:3336-3342). The toxins may exerttheir cytotoxic effects by mechanisms including tubulin binding, DNAbinding, or topoisomerase inhibition. Some cytotoxic drugs tend to beinactive or less active when conjugated to large antibodies or proteinreceptor ligands.

ZEVALIN® (ibritumomab tiuxetan, Biogen/Idec) is an antibody-radioisotopeconjugate composed of a murine IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody directedagainst the CD20 antigen found on the surface of normal and malignant Blymphocytes and 111In or 90Y radioisotope bound by a thiourealinker-chelator (Wiseman et al (2000) Eur. Jour. Nucl. Med.27(7):766-77; Wiseman et al (2002) Blood 99(12):4336-42; Witzig et al(2002) J. Clin. Oncol. 20(10):2453-63; Witzig et al (2002) J. Clin.Oncol. 20(15):3262-69). Although ZEVALIN has activity against B-cellnon-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), administration results in severe andprolonged cytopenias in most patients. MYLOTARG™ (gemtuzumab ozogamicin,Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), an antibody-drug conjugate composed of a huCD33antibody linked to calicheamicin, was approved in 2000 for the treatmentof acute myeloid leukemia by injection (Drugs of the Future (2000)25(7):686; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,970,198; 5,079,233; 5,585,089; 5,606,040;5,693,762; 5,739,116; 5,767,285; 5,773,001). Cantuzumab mertansine(Immunogen, Inc.), an antibody-drug conjugate composed of the huC242antibody linked via the disulfide linker SPP to the maytansinoid drugmoiety, DM1, is advancing into Phase II trials for the treatment ofcancers that express CanAg, such as colon, pancreatic, gastric, andother cancers. MLN-2704 (Millennium Pharm., BZL Biologics, ImmunogenInc.), an antibody-drug conjugate composed of the anti-prostate specificmembrane antigen (PSMA) monoclonal antibody linked to the maytansinoiddrug moiety, DM1, is under development for the potential treatment ofprostate tumors. The auristatin peptides, auristatin E (AE) andmonomethylauristatin (MMAE), synthetic analogs of dolastatin, wereconjugated to chimeric monoclonal antibodies cBR96 (specific to Lewis Yon carcinomas) and cAC10 (specific to CD30 on hematologicalmalignancies) (Doronina et al (2003) Nature Biotechnol. 21(7):778-784)and are under therapeutic development.

In certain embodiments, an immunoconjugate comprises an antibody and achemotherapeutic agent or other toxin. Chemotherapeutic agents useful inthe generation of immunoconjugates are described herein (e.g., above).Enzymatically active toxins and fragments thereof that can be usedinclude diphtheria A chain, nonbinding active fragments of diphtheriatoxin, exotoxin A chain (from Pseudomonas aeruginosa), ricin A chain,abrin A chain, modeccin A chain, alpha-sarcin, Aleurites fordiiproteins, dianthin proteins, Phytolaca americana proteins (PAPI, PAPII,and PAP-S), momordica charantia inhibitor, curcin, crotin, sapaonariaofficinalis inhibitor, gelonin, mitogellin, restrictocin, phenomycin,enomycin, and the tricothecenes. See, e.g., WO 93/21232 published Oct.28, 1993. A variety of radionuclides are available for the production ofradioconjugated antibodies. Examples include ²¹²Bi, ¹³¹I, ¹³¹In, ⁹⁰Y,and ¹⁸⁶Re. Conjugates of the antibody and cytotoxic agent are made usinga variety of bifunctional protein-coupling agents such asN-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithiol) propionate (SPDP), iminothiolane(IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (such as dimethyladipimidate HCl), active esters (such as disuccinimidyl suberate),aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde), bis-azido compounds (such asbis(p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine), bis-diazonium derivatives (such asbis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such astoluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such as1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). For example, a ricin immunotoxin canbe prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science, 238: 1098 (1987).Carbon-14-labeled 1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent forconjugation of radionucleotide to the antibody. See WO94/11026.

Conjugates of an antibody and one or more small molecule toxins, such asa calicheamicin, maytansinoids, dolastatins, aurostatins, atrichothecene, and CC1065, and the derivatives of these toxins that havetoxin activity, are also contemplated herein.

Maytansine and Maytansinoids

In some embodiments, the immunoconjugate comprises an antibody (fulllength or fragments) conjugated to one or more maytansinoid molecules.

Maytansinoids are mitototic inhibitors which act by inhibiting tubulinpolymerization. Maytansine was first isolated from the east Africanshrub Maytenus serrata (U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,111). Subsequently, it wasdiscovered that certain microbes also produce maytansinoids, such asmaytansinol and C-3 maytansinol esters (U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,042).Synthetic maytansinol and derivatives and analogues thereof aredisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,137,230; 4,248,870;4,256,746; 4,260,608; 4,265,814; 4,294,757; 4,307,016; 4,308,268;4,308,269; 4,309,428; 4,313,946; 4,315,929; 4,317,821; 4,322,348;4,331,598; 4,361,650; 4,364,866; 4,424,219; 4,450,254; 4,362,663; and4,371,533.

Maytansinoid drug moieties are attractive drug moieties in antibody drugconjugates because they are: (i) relatively accessible to prepare byfermentation or chemical modification, derivatization of fermentationproducts, (ii) amenable to derivatization with functional groupssuitable for conjugation through the non-disulfide linkers toantibodies, (iii) stable in plasma, and (iv) effective against a varietyof tumor cell lines.

Immunoconjugates containing maytansinoids, methods of making same, andtheir therapeutic use are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,208,020, 5,416,064 and European Patent EP 0 425 235 B1, thedisclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. Liuet al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:8618-8623 (1996) describedimmunoconjugates comprising a maytansinoid designated DM1 linked to themonoclonal antibody C242 directed against human colorectal cancer. Theconjugate was found to be highly cytotoxic towards cultured colon cancercells, and showed antitumor activity in an in vivo tumor growth assay.Chari et al., Cancer Research 52:127-131 (1992) describeimmunoconjugates in which a maytansinoid was conjugated via a disulfidelinker to the murine antibody A7 binding to an antigen on human coloncancer cell lines, or to another murine monoclonal antibody TA.1 thatbinds the HER-2/neu oncogene. The cytotoxicity of the TA.1-maytansinoidconjugate was tested in vitro on the human breast cancer cell lineSK-BR-3, which expresses 3×105 HER-2 surface antigens per cell. The drugconjugate achieved a degree of cytotoxicity similar to the freemaytansinoid drug, which could be increased by increasing the number ofmaytansinoid molecules per antibody molecule. The A7-maytansinoidconjugate showed low systemic cytotoxicity in mice.

Antibody-maytansinoid conjugates are prepared by chemically linking anantibody to a maytansinoid molecule without significantly diminishingthe biological activity of either the antibody or the maytansinoidmolecule. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,020 (the disclosure of which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference). An average of 3-4maytansinoid molecules conjugated per antibody molecule has shownefficacy in enhancing cytotoxicity of target cells without negativelyaffecting the function or solubility of the antibody, although even onemolecule of toxin/antibody would be expected to enhance cytotoxicityover the use of naked antibody. Maytansinoids are well known in the artand can be synthesized by known techniques or isolated from naturalsources. Suitable maytansinoids are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 5,208,020 and in the other patents and nonpatent publicationsreferred to hereinabove. Preferred maytansinoids are maytansinol andmaytansinol analogues modified in the aromatic ring or at otherpositions of the maytansinol molecule, such as various maytansinolesters.

There are many linking groups known in the art for makingantibody-maytansinoid conjugates, including, for example, thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,020 or EP Patent 0 425 235 B1, Chari etal., Cancer Research 52:127-131 (1992), and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/960,602, filed Oct. 8, 2004, the disclosures of which are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference. Antibody-maytansinoid conjugatescomprising the linker component SMCC may be prepared as disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/960,602, filed Oct. 8, 2004. Thelinking groups include disulfide groups, thioether groups, acid labilegroups, photolabile groups, peptidase labile groups, or esterase labilegroups, as disclosed in the above-identified patents, disulfide andthioether groups being preferred. Additional linking groups aredescribed and exemplified herein.

Conjugates of the antibody and maytansinoid may be made using a varietyof bifunctional protein coupling agents such asN-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP),succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC),iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (such asdimethyl adipimidate HCl), active esters (such as disuccinimidylsuberate), aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde), bis-azido compounds (suchas bis(p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine), bis-diazonium derivatives (suchas bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such astoluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such as1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). Particularly preferred coupling agentsinclude N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) (Carlssonet al., Biochem. J. 173:723-737 (1978)) andN-succinimidyl-4-(2-pyridylthio)pentanoate (SPP) to provide for adisulfide linkage.

The linker may be attached to the maytansinoid molecule at variouspositions, depending on the type of the link. For example, an esterlinkage may be formed by reaction with a hydroxyl group usingconventional coupling techniques. The reaction may occur at the C-3position having a hydroxyl group, the C-14 position modified withhydroxymethyl, the C-15 position modified with a hydroxyl group, and theC-20 position having a hydroxyl group. In a preferred embodiment, thelinkage is formed at the C-3 position of maytansinol or a maytansinolanalogue.

Auristatins and Dolastatins

In some embodiments, the immunoconjugate comprises an antibodyconjugated to dolastatins or dolostatin peptidic analogs andderivatives, the auristatins (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,635,483; 5,780,588).Dolastatins and auristatins have been shown to interfere withmicrotubule dynamics, GTP hydrolysis, and nuclear and cellular division(Woyke et al (2001) Antimicrob. Agents and Chemother. 45(12):3580-3584)and have anticancer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,149) and antifungal activity(Pettit et al (1998) Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 42:2961-2965). Thedolastatin or auristatin drug moiety may be attached to the antibodythrough the N (amino) terminus or the C (carboxyl) terminus of thepeptidic drug moiety (WO 02/088172).

Exemplary auristatin embodiments include the N-terminus linkedmonomethylauristatin drug moieties DE and DF, disclosed in“Monomethylvaline Compounds Capable of Conjugation to Ligands”, U.S.Ser. No. 10/983,340, filed Nov. 5, 2004, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Typically, peptide-based drug moieties can be prepared by forming apeptide bond between two or more amino acids and/or peptide fragments.Such peptide bonds can be prepared, for example, according to the liquidphase synthesis method (see E. Schröder and K. Lübke, “The Peptides”,volume 1, pp 76-136, 1965, Academic Press) that is well known in thefield of peptide chemistry. The auristatin/dolastatin drug moieties maybe prepared according to the methods of: U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,483; U.S.Pat. No. 5,780,588; Pettit et al (1989) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 111:5463-5465;Pettit et al (1998) Anti-Cancer Drug Design 13:243-277; Pettit, G. R.,et al. Synthesis, 1996, 719-725; and Pettit et al (1996) J. Chem. Soc.Perkin Trans. 1 5:859-863. See also Doronina (2003) Nat Biotechnol21(7):778-784; “Monomethylvaline Compounds Capable of Conjugation toLigands”, U.S. Ser. No. 10/983,340, filed Nov. 5, 2004, herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety (disclosing, e.g., linkers andmethods of preparing monomethylvaline compounds such as MMAE and MMAFconjugated to linkers).

Calicheamicin

In other embodiments, the immunoconjugate comprises an antibodyconjugated to one or more calicheamicin molecules. The calicheamicinfamily of antibiotics are capable of producing double-stranded DNAbreaks at sub-picomolar concentrations. For the preparation ofconjugates of the calicheamicin family, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,712,374,5,714,586, 5,739,116, 5,767,285, 5,770,701, 5,770,710, 5,773,001,5,877,296 (all to American Cyanamid Company). Structural analogues ofcalicheamicin which may be used include, but are not limited to, γ1I,α2I, α3I, N-acetyl-γ1I, PSAG and θI1 (Hinman et al., Cancer Research53:3336-3342 (1993), Lode et al., Cancer Research 58:2925-2928 (1998)and the aforementioned U.S. patents to American Cyanamid). Anotheranti-tumor drug that the antibody can be conjugated is QFA which is anantifolate. Both calicheamicin and QFA have intracellular sites ofaction and do not readily cross the plasma membrane. Therefore, cellularuptake of these agents through antibody mediated internalization greatlyenhances their cytotoxic effects.

Other Cytotoxic Agents

Other antitumor agents that can be conjugated to the antibodies includeBCNU, streptozoicin, vincristine and 5-fluorouracil, the family ofagents known collectively LL-E33288 complex described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,053,394, 5,770,710, as well as esperamicins (U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,296).

Enzymatically active toxins and fragments thereof which can be usedinclude diphtheria A chain, nonbinding active fragments of diphtheriatoxin, exotoxin A chain (from Pseudomonas aeruginosa), ricin A chain,abrin A chain, modeccin A chain, alpha-sarcin, Aleurites fordiiproteins, dianthin proteins, Phytolaca americana proteins (PAPI, PAPII,and PAP-S), momordica charantia inhibitor, curcin, crotin, sapaonariaofficinalis inhibitor, gelonin, mitogellin, restrictocin, phenomycin,enomycin and the tricothecenes. See, for example, WO 93/21232 publishedOct. 28, 1993.

The present invention further contemplates an immunoconjugate formedbetween an antibody and a compound with nucleolytic activity (e.g., aribonuclease or a DNA endonuclease such as a deoxyribonuclease; DNase).

For selective destruction of the tumor, the antibody may comprise ahighly radioactive atom. A variety of radioactive isotopes are availablefor the production of radioconjugated antibodies. Examples includeAt²¹¹, I¹³¹, I¹²⁵, Y⁹⁰, Re¹⁸⁶, Re¹⁸⁸, Sm¹⁵³, Bi²¹², P³², Pb²¹² andradioactive isotopes of Lu. When the conjugate is used for detection, itmay comprise a radioactive atom for scintigraphic studies, for exampletc99m or I123, or a spin label for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)imaging (also known as magnetic resonance imaging, mri), such asiodine-123 again, iodine-131, indium-111, fluorine-19, carbon-13,nitrogen-15, oxygen-17, gadolinium, manganese or iron.

The radio- or other labels may be incorporated in the conjugate in knownways. For example, the peptide may be biosynthesized or may besynthesized by chemical amino acid synthesis using suitable amino acidprecursors involving, for example, fluorine-19 in place of hydrogen.Labels such as tc⁹⁹m or I¹²³, Re¹⁸⁶, Re¹⁸⁸ and In¹¹¹ can be attached viaa cysteine residue in the peptide. Yttrium-90 can be attached via alysine residue. The IODOGEN method (Fraker et al (1978) Biochem.Biophys. Res. Commun. 80: 49-57) can be used to incorporate iodine-123.“Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunoscintigraphy” (Chatal, CRC Press 1989)describes other methods in detail.

Conjugates of the antibody and cytotoxic agent may be made using avariety of bifunctional protein coupling agents such asN-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP),succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC),iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (such asdimethyl adipimidate HCl), active esters (such as disuccinimidylsuberate), aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde), bis-azido compounds (suchas bis(p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine), bis-diazonium derivatives (suchas bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such astoluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such as1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). For example, a ricin immunotoxin canbe prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science 238:1098 (1987).Carbon-14-labeled 1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent forconjugation of radionucleotide to the antibody. See WO94/11026. Thelinker may be a “cleavable linker” facilitating release of the cytotoxicdrug in the cell. For example, an acid-labile linker,peptidase-sensitive linker, photolabile linker, dimethyl linker ordisulfide-containing linker (Chari et al., Cancer Research 52:127-131(1992); U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,020) may be used.

The compounds expressly contemplate, but are not limited to, ADCprepared with cross-linker reagents: BMPS, EMCS, GMBS, HBVS, LC-SMCC,MBS, MPBH, SBAP, SIA, SIAB, SMCC, SMPB, SMPH, sulfo-EMCS, sulfo-GMBS,sulfo-KMUS, sulfo-MBS, sulfo-SIAB, sulfo-SMCC, and sulfo-SMPB, and SVSB(succinimidyl-(4-vinylsulfone)benzoate) which are commercially available(e.g., from Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill., U.S.A). Seepages 467-498, 2003-2004 Applications Handbook and Catalog.

Preparation of Antibody Drug Conjugates

In the antibody drug conjugates (ADC), an antibody (Ab) is conjugated toone or more drug moieties (D), e.g. about 1 to about 20 drug moietiesper antibody, through a linker (L). The ADC of Formula I may be preparedby several routes, employing organic chemistry reactions, conditions,and reagents known to those skilled in the art, including: (1) reactionof a nucleophilic group of an antibody with a bivalent linker reagent,to form Ab-L, via a covalent bond, followed by reaction with a drugmoiety D; and (2) reaction of a nucleophilic group of a drug moiety witha bivalent linker reagent, to form D-L, via a covalent bond, followed byreaction with the nucleophilic group of an antibody. Additional methodsfor preparing ADC are described herein.Ab-(L-D)_(p)  I

The linker may be composed of one or more linker components. Exemplarylinker components include 6-maleimidocaproyl (“MC”), maleimidopropanoyl(“MP”), valine-citrulline (“val-cit”), alanine-phenylalanine(“ala-phe”), p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl (“PAB”), N-Succinimidyl4-(2-pyridylthio) pentanoate (“SPP”), N-Succinimidyl4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1 carboxylate (“SMCC”), andN-Succinimidyl(4-iodo-acetyl)aminobenzoate (“SIAB”). Additional linkercomponents are known in the art and some are described herein. See also“Monomethylvaline Compounds Capable of Conjugation to Ligands”, U.S.Ser. No. 10/983,340, filed Nov. 5, 2004, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the linker may comprise amino acid residues.Exemplary amino acid linker components include a dipeptide, atripeptide, a tetrapeptide or a pentapeptide. Exemplary dipeptidesinclude: valine-citrulline (vc or val-cit), alanine-phenylalanine (af orala-phe). Exemplary tripeptides include: glycine-valine-citrulline(gly-val-cit) and glycine-glycine-glycine (gly-gly-gly). Amino acidresidues which comprise an amino acid linker component include thoseoccurring naturally, as well as minor amino acids and non-naturallyoccurring amino acid analogs, such as citrulline. Amino acid linkercomponents can be designed and optimized in their selectivity forenzymatic cleavage by a particular enzymes, for example, atumor-associated protease, cathepsin B, C and D, or a plasmin protease.

Nucleophilic groups on antibodies include, but are not limited to: (i)N-terminal amine groups, (ii) side chain amine groups, e.g. lysine,(iii) side chain thiol groups, e.g. cysteine, and (iv) sugar hydroxyl oramino groups where the antibody is glycosylated. Amine, thiol, andhydroxyl groups are nucleophilic and capable of reacting to formcovalent bonds with electrophilic groups on linker moieties and linkerreagents including: (i) active esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters,haloformates, and acid halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides such ashaloacetamides; (iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and maleimidegroups. Certain antibodies have reducible interchain disulfides, i.e.cysteine bridges. Antibodies may be made reactive for conjugation withlinker reagents by treatment with a reducing agent such as DTT(dithiothreitol). Each cysteine bridge will thus form, theoretically,two reactive thiol nucleophiles. Additional nucleophilic groups can beintroduced into antibodies through the reaction of lysines with2-iminothiolane (Traut's reagent) resulting in conversion of an amineinto a thiol. Reactive thiol groups may be introduced into the antibody(or fragment thereof) by introducing one, two, three, four, or morecysteine residues (e.g., preparing mutant antibodies comprising one ormore non-native cysteine amino acid residues).

Antibody drug conjugates may also be produced by modification of theantibody to introduce electrophilic moieties, which can react withnucleophilic substituents on the linker reagent or drug. The sugars ofglycosylated antibodies may be oxidized, e.g. with periodate oxidizingreagents, to form aldehyde or ketone groups which may react with theamine group of linker reagents or drug moieties. The resulting imineSchiff base groups may form a stable linkage, or may be reduced, e.g. byborohydride reagents to form stable amine linkages. In one embodiment,reaction of the carbohydrate portion of a glycosylated antibody witheither galactose oxidase or sodium meta-periodate may yield carbonyl(aldehyde and ketone) groups in the protein that can react withappropriate groups on the drug (Hermanson, Bioconjugate Techniques). Inanother embodiment, proteins containing N-terminal serine or threonineresidues can react with sodium meta-periodate, resulting in productionof an aldehyde in place of the first amino acid (Geoghegan & Stroh,(1992) Bioconjugate Chem. 3:138-146; U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,852). Suchaldehyde can be reacted with a drug moiety or linker nucleophile.

Likewise, nucleophilic groups on a drug moiety include, but are notlimited to: amine, thiol, hydroxyl, hydrazide, oxime, hydrazine,thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate, and arylhydrazide groupscapable of reacting to form covalent bonds with electrophilic groups onlinker moieties and linker reagents including: (i) active esters such asNHS esters, HOBt esters, haloformates, and acid halides; (ii) alkyl andbenzyl halides such as haloacetamides; (iii) aldehydes, ketones,carboxyl, and maleimide groups.

Alternatively, a fusion protein comprising the antibody and cytotoxicagent may be made, e.g., by recombinant techniques or peptide synthesis.The length of DNA may comprise respective regions encoding the twoportions of the conjugate either adjacent one another or separated by aregion encoding a linker peptide which does not destroy the desiredproperties of the conjugate.

In yet another embodiment, the antibody may be conjugated to a“receptor” (such streptavidin) for utilization in tumor pre-targetingwherein the antibody-receptor conjugate is administered to the patient,followed by removal of unbound conjugate from the circulation using aclearing agent and then administration of a “ligand” (e.g., avidin)which is conjugated to a cytotoxic agent (e.g., a radionucleotide).

Certain Methods of Making Antibodies

Certain Hybridoma-Based Methods

Monoclonal antibodies of the invention can be made using the hybridomamethod first described by Kohler et al., Nature, 256:495 (1975), andfurther described, e.g., in Hongo et al., Hybridoma, 14 (3): 253-260(1995), Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, (Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, 2nd ed. 1988); Hammerling et al., in:Monoclonal Antibodies and T-Cell Hybridomas 563-681 (Elsevier, N.Y.,1981), and Ni, Xiandai Mianyixue, 26(4):265-268 (2006) regardinghuman-human hybridomas. Additional methods include those described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,189,826 regarding production of monoclonalhuman natural IgM antibodies from hybridoma cell lines. Human hybridomatechnology (Trioma technology) is described in Vollmers and Brandlein,Histology and Histopathology, 20(3):927-937 (2005) and Vollmers andBrandlein, Methods and Findings in Experimental and ClinicalPharmacology, 27(3):185-91 (2005).

For various other hybridoma techniques, see, e.g., US 2006/258841; US2006/183887 (fully human antibodies), US 2006/059575; US 2005/287149; US2005/100546; US 2005/026229; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,078,492 and 7,153,507.An exemplary protocol for producing monoclonal antibodies using thehybridoma method is described as follows. In one embodiment, a mouse orother appropriate host animal, such as a hamster, is immunized to elicitlymphocytes that produce or are capable of producing antibodies thatwill specifically bind to the protein used for immunization. Antibodiesare raised in animals by multiple subcutaneous (sc) or intraperitoneal(ip) injections of a polypeptide comprising VEGF-C or a fragmentthereof, and an adjuvant, such as monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL)/trehalosedicrynomycolate (TDM) (Ribi Immunochem. Research, Inc., Hamilton,Mont.). A polypeptide comprising VEGF-C or a fragment thereof may beprepared using methods well known in the art, such as recombinantmethods, some of which are further described herein. Serum fromimmunized animals is assayed for anti-VEGF-C antibodies, and boosterimmunizations are optionally administered. Lymphocytes from animalsproducing anti-VEGF-C antibodies are isolated. Alternatively,lymphocytes may be immunized in vitro.

Lymphocytes are then fused with myeloma cells using a suitable fusingagent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell. See, e.g.,Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp. 59-103(Academic Press, 1986). Myeloma cells may be used that fuse efficiently,support stable high-level production of antibody by the selectedantibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a medium such as HATmedium. Exemplary myeloma cells include, but are not limited to, murinemyeloma lines, such as those derived from MOPC-21 and MPC-11 mousetumors available from the Salk Institute Cell Distribution Center, SanDiego, Calif. USA, and SP-2 or X63-Ag8-653 cells available from theAmerican Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md. USA. Human myeloma andmouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for theproduction of human monoclonal antibodies (Kozbor, J. Immunol., 133:3001(1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques andApplications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1987)).

The hybridoma cells thus prepared are seeded and grown in a suitableculture medium, e.g., a medium that contains one or more substances thatinhibit the growth or survival of the unfused, parental myeloma cells.For example, if the parental myeloma cells lack the enzyme hypoxanthineguanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT or HPRT), the culture mediumfor the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine, aminopterin, andthymidine (HAT medium), which substances prevent the growth ofHGPRT-deficient cells. Preferably, serum-free hybridoma cell culturemethods are used to reduce use of animal-derived serum such as fetalbovine serum, as described, for example, in Even et al., Trends inBiotechnology, 24(3), 105-108 (2006).

Oligopeptides as tools for improving productivity of hybridoma cellcultures are described in Franek, Trends in Monoclonal AntibodyResearch, 111-122 (2005). Specifically, standard culture media areenriched with certain amino acids (alanine, serine, asparagine,proline), or with protein hydrolyzate fractions, and apoptosis may besignificantly suppressed by synthetic oligopeptides, constituted ofthree to six amino acid residues. The peptides are present at millimolaror higher concentrations.

Culture medium in which hybridoma cells are growing may be assayed forproduction of monoclonal antibodies that bind to VEGF-C. The bindingspecificity of monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridoma cells may bedetermined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, suchas radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay(ELISA). The binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can bedetermined, for example, by Scatchard analysis. See, e.g., Munson etal., Anal. Biochem., 107:220 (1980).

After hybridoma cells are identified that produce antibodies of thedesired specificity, affinity, and/or activity, the clones may besubcloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by standard methods.See, e.g., Goding, supra. Suitable culture media for this purposeinclude, for example, D-MEM or RPMI-1640 medium. In addition, hybridomacells may be grown in vivo as ascites tumors in an animal. Monoclonalantibodies secreted by the subclones are suitably separated from theculture medium, ascites fluid, or serum by conventional immunoglobulinpurification procedures such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose,hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, oraffinity chromatography. One procedure for isolation of proteins fromhybridoma cells is described in US 2005/176122 and U.S. Pat. No.6,919,436. The method includes using minimal salts, such as lyotropicsalts, in the binding process and preferably also using small amounts oforganic solvents in the elution process.

Certain Library Screening Methods

Antibodies of the invention can be made by using combinatorial librariesto screen for antibodies with the desired activity or activities. Forexample, a variety of methods are known in the art for generating phagedisplay libraries and screening such libraries for antibodies possessingthe desired binding characteristics. Such methods are describedgenerally in Hoogenboom et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology 178:1-37(O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, N.J., 2001). For example, onemethod of generating antibodies of interest is through the use of aphage antibody library as described in Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2004),340(5):1073-93.

In principle, synthetic antibody clones are selected by screening phagelibraries containing phage that display various fragments of antibodyvariable region (Fv) fused to phage coat protein. Such phage librariesare panned by affinity chromatography against the desired antigen.Clones expressing Fv fragments capable of binding to the desired antigenare adsorbed to the antigen and thus separated from the non-bindingclones in the library. The binding clones are then eluted from theantigen, and can be further enriched by additional cycles of antigenadsorption/elution. Any of the antibodies of the invention can beobtained by designing a suitable antigen screening procedure to selectfor the phage clone of interest followed by construction of a fulllength antibody clone using the Fv sequences from the phage clone ofinterest and suitable constant region (Fc) sequences described in Kabatet al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition,NIH Publication 91-3242, Bethesda Md. (1991), vols. 1-3.

In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain of an antibody isformed from two variable (V) regions of about 110 amino acids, one eachfrom the light (VL) and heavy (VH) chains, that both present threehypervariable loops (HVRs) or complementarity-determining regions(CDRs). Variable domains can be displayed functionally on phage, eitheras single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments, in which VH and VL are covalentlylinked through a short, flexible peptide, or as Fab fragments, in whichthey are each fused to a constant domain and interact non-covalently, asdescribed in Winter et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol., 12: 433-455 (1994). Asused herein, scFv encoding phage clones and Fab encoding phage clonesare collectively referred to as “Fv phage clones” or “Fv clones.”

Repertoires of VH and VL genes can be separately cloned by polymerasechain reaction (PCR) and recombined randomly in phage libraries, whichcan then be searched for antigen-binding clones as described in Winteret al., Ann. Rev. Immunol., 12: 433-455 (1994). Libraries from immunizedsources provide high-affinity antibodies to the immunogen without therequirement of constructing hybridomas. Alternatively, the naiverepertoire can be cloned to provide a single source of human antibodiesto a wide range of non-self and also self antigens without anyimmunization as described by Griffiths et al., EMBO J, 12: 725-734(1993). Finally, naive libraries can also be made synthetically bycloning the unrearranged V-gene segments from stem cells, and using PCRprimers containing random sequence to encode the highly variable CDR3regions and to accomplish rearrangement in vitro as described byHoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227: 381-388 (1992).

In certain embodiments, filamentous phage is used to display antibodyfragments by fusion to the minor coat protein pIII. The antibodyfragments can be displayed as single chain Fv fragments, in which VH andVL domains are connected on the same polypeptide chain by a flexiblepolypeptide spacer, e.g. as described by Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol.,222: 581-597 (1991), or as Fab fragments, in which one chain is fused topIII and the other is secreted into the bacterial host cell periplasmwhere assembly of a Fab-coat protein structure which becomes displayedon the phage surface by displacing some of the wild type coat proteins,e.g. as described in Hoogenboom et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 19: 4133-4137(1991).

In general, nucleic acids encoding antibody gene fragments are obtainedfrom immune cells harvested from humans or animals. If a library biasedin favor of anti-VEGF-C clones is desired, the subject is immunized withVEGF-C to generate an antibody response, and spleen cells and/orcirculating B cells other peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) arerecovered for library construction. In a preferred embodiment, a humanantibody gene fragment library biased in favor of anti-VEGF-C clones isobtained by generating an anti-VEGF-C antibody response in transgenicmice carrying a functional human immunoglobulin gene array (and lackinga functional endogenous antibody production system) such that VEGF-Cimmunization gives rise to B cells producing human antibodies againstVEGF-C. The generation of human antibody-producing transgenic mice isdescribed below.

Additional enrichment for anti-VEGF-C reactive cell populations can beobtained by using a suitable screening procedure to isolate B cellsexpressing VEGF-C-specific membrane bound antibody, e.g., by cellseparation using VEGF-C affinity chromatography or adsorption of cellsto fluorochrome-labeled VEGF-C followed by flow-activated cell sorting(FACS).

Alternatively, the use of spleen cells and/or B cells or other PBLs froman unimmunized donor provides a better representation of the possibleantibody repertoire, and also permits the construction of an antibodylibrary using any animal (human or non-human) species in which VEGF-C isnot antigenic. For libraries incorporating in vitro antibody geneconstruction, stem cells are harvested from the subject to providenucleic acids encoding unrearranged antibody gene segments. The immunecells of interest can be obtained from a variety of animal species, suchas human, mouse, rat, lagomorpha, luprine, canine, feline, porcine,bovine, equine, and avian species, etc.

Nucleic acid encoding antibody variable gene segments (including VH andVL segments) are recovered from the cells of interest and amplified. Inthe case of rearranged VH and VL gene libraries, the desired DNA can beobtained by isolating genomic DNA or mRNA from lymphocytes followed bypolymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers matching the 5′ and 3′ endsof rearranged VH and VL genes as described in Orlandi et al., Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), 86: 3833-3837 (1989), thereby making diverse Vgene repertoires for expression. The V genes can be amplified from cDNAand genomic DNA, with back primers at the 5′ end of the exon encodingthe mature V-domain and forward primers based within the J-segment asdescribed in Orlandi et al. (1989) and in Ward et al., Nature, 341:544-546 (1989). However, for amplifying from cDNA, back primers can alsobe based in the leader exon as described in Jones et al., Biotechnol.,9: 88-89 (1991), and forward primers within the constant region asdescribed in Sastry et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), 86: 5728-5732(1989). To maximize complementarity, degeneracy can be incorporated inthe primers as described in Orlandi et al. (1989) or Sastry et al.(1989). In certain embodiments, library diversity is maximized by usingPCR primers targeted to each V-gene family in order to amplify allavailable VH and VL arrangements present in the immune cell nucleic acidsample, e.g. as described in the method of Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol.,222: 581-597 (1991) or as described in the method of Orum et al.,Nucleic Acids Res., 21: 4491-4498 (1993). For cloning of the amplifiedDNA into expression vectors, rare restriction sites can be introducedwithin the PCR primer as a tag at one end as described in Orlandi et al.(1989), or by further PCR amplification with a tagged primer asdescribed in Clackson et al., Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991).

Repertoires of synthetically rearranged V genes can be derived in vitrofrom V gene segments. Most of the human VH-gene segments have beencloned and sequenced (reported in Tomlinson et al., J. Mol. Biol., 227:776-798 (1992)), and mapped (reported in Matsuda et al., Nature Genet.,3: 88-94 (1993); these cloned segments (including all the majorconformations of the H1 and H2 loop) can be used to generate diverse VHgene repertoires with PCR primers encoding H3 loops of diverse sequenceand length as described in Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381-388 (1992). VH repertoires can also be made with all the sequencediversity focused in a long H3 loop of a single length as described inBarbas et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89: 4457-4461 (1992). HumanVκ and Vλ segments have been cloned and sequenced (reported in Williamsand Winter, Eur. J. Immunol., 23: 1456-1461 (1993)) and can be used tomake synthetic light chain repertoires. Synthetic V gene repertoires,based on a range of VH and VL folds, and L3 and H3 lengths, will encodeantibodies of considerable structural diversity. Following amplificationof V-gene encoding DNAs, germline V-gene segments can be rearranged invitro according to the methods of Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol.,227: 381-388 (1992).

Repertoires of antibody fragments can be constructed by combining VH andVL gene repertoires together in several ways. Each repertoire can becreated in different vectors, and the vectors recombined in vitro, e.g.,as described in Hogrefe et al., Gene, 128: 119-126 (1993), or in vivo bycombinatorial infection, e.g., the loxP system described in Waterhouseet al., Nucl. Acids Res., 21: 2265-2266 (1993). The in vivorecombination approach exploits the two-chain nature of Fab fragments toovercome the limit on library size imposed by E. coli transformationefficiency. Naive VH and VL repertoires are cloned separately, one intoa phagemid and the other into a phage vector. The two libraries are thencombined by phage infection of phagemid-containing bacteria so that eachcell contains a different combination and the library size is limitedonly by the number of cells present (about 10¹² clones). Both vectorscontain in vivo recombination signals so that the VH and VL genes arerecombined onto a single replicon and are co-packaged into phagevirions. These huge libraries provide large numbers of diverseantibodies of good affinity (K_(d) ⁻¹ of about 10⁻⁸ M).

Alternatively, the repertoires may be cloned sequentially into the samevector, e.g. as described in Barbas et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,88: 7978-7982 (1991), or assembled together by PCR and then cloned, e.g.as described in Clackson et al., Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991). PCRassembly can also be used to join VH and VL DNAs with DNA encoding aflexible peptide spacer to form single chain Fv (scFv) repertoires. Inyet another technique, “in cell PCR assembly” is used to combine VH andVL genes within lymphocytes by PCR and then clone repertoires of linkedgenes as described in Embleton et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 20: 3831-3837(1992).

The antibodies produced by naive libraries (either natural or synthetic)can be of moderate affinity (K_(d) ⁻¹ of about 10⁶ to 10⁷ M⁻¹), butaffinity maturation can also be mimicked in vitro by constructing andreselecting from secondary libraries as described in Winter et al.(1994), supra. For example, mutation can be introduced at random invitro by using error-prone polymerase (reported in Leung et al.,Technique, 1: 11-15 (1989)) in the method of Hawkins et al., J. Mol.Biol., 226: 889-896 (1992) or in the method of Gram et al., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA, 89: 3576-3580 (1992). Additionally, affinity maturationcan be performed by randomly mutating one or more CDRs, e.g. using PCRwith primers carrying random sequence spanning the CDR of interest, inselected individual Fv clones and screening for higher affinity clones.WO 9607754 (published 14 Mar. 1996) described a method for inducingmutagenesis in a complementarity determining region of an immunoglobulinlight chain to create a library of light chain genes. Another effectiveapproach is to recombine the VH or VL domains selected by phage displaywith repertoires of naturally occurring V domain variants obtained fromunimmunized donors and screen for higher affinity in several rounds ofchain reshuffling as described in Marks et al., Biotechnol., 10: 779-783(1992). This technique allows the production of antibodies and antibodyfragments with affinities of about 10⁻⁹ M or less.

Screening of the libraries can be accomplished by various techniquesknown in the art. For example, VEGF-C can be used to coat the wells ofadsorption plates, expressed on host cells affixed to adsorption platesor used in cell sorting, or conjugated to biotin for capture withstreptavidin-coated beads, or used in any other method for panning phagedisplay libraries.

The phage library samples are contacted with immobilized VEGF-C underconditions suitable for binding at least a portion of the phageparticles with the adsorbent. Normally, the conditions, including pH,ionic strength, temperature and the like are selected to mimicphysiological conditions. The phages bound to the solid phase are washedand then eluted by acid, e.g. as described in Barbas et al., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA, 88: 7978-7982 (1991), or by alkali, e.g. as described inMarks et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222: 581-597 (1991), or by VEGF-C antigencompetition, e.g. in a procedure similar to the antigen competitionmethod of Clackson et al., Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991). Phages can beenriched 20-1,000-fold in a single round of selection. Moreover, theenriched phages can be grown in bacterial culture and subjected tofurther rounds of selection.

The efficiency of selection depends on many factors, including thekinetics of dissociation during washing, and whether multiple antibodyfragments on a single phage can simultaneously engage with antigen.Antibodies with fast dissociation kinetics (and weak binding affinities)can be retained by use of short washes, multivalent phage display andhigh coating density of antigen in solid phase. The high density notonly stabilizes the phage through multivalent interactions, but favorsrebinding of phage that has dissociated. The selection of antibodieswith slow dissociation kinetics (and good binding affinities) can bepromoted by use of long washes and monovalent phage display as describedin Bass et al., Proteins, 8: 309-314 (1990) and in WO 92/09690, and alow coating density of antigen as described in Marks et al.,Biotechnol., 10: 779-783 (1992).

It is possible to select between phage antibodies of differentaffinities, even with affinities that differ slightly, for VEGF-C.However, random mutation of a selected antibody (e.g. as performed insome affinity maturation techniques) is likely to give rise to manymutants, most binding to antigen, and a few with higher affinity. Withlimiting VEGF-C, rare high affinity phage could be competed out. Toretain all higher affinity mutants, phages can be incubated with excessbiotinylated VEGF-C, but with the biotinylated VEGF-C at a concentrationof lower molarity than the target molar affinity constant for VEGF-C.The high affinity-binding phages can then be captured bystreptavidin-coated paramagnetic beads. Such “equilibrium capture”allows the antibodies to be selected according to their affinities ofbinding, with sensitivity that permits isolation of mutant clones withas little as two-fold higher affinity from a great excess of phages withlower affinity. Conditions used in washing phages bound to a solid phasecan also be manipulated to discriminate on the basis of dissociationkinetics.

Anti-VEGF-C clones may be selected based on activity. In certainembodiments, the invention provides anti-VEGF-C antibodies that bind toliving cells that naturally express VEGF-C. In one embodiment, theinvention provides anti-VEGF-C antibodies that block the binding betweena VEGF-C ligand and VEGF-C, but do not block the binding between aVEGF-C ligand and a second protein. Fv clones corresponding to suchanti-VEGF-C antibodies can be selected by (1) isolating anti-VEGF-Cclones from a phage library as described above, and optionallyamplifying the isolated population of phage clones by growing up thepopulation in a suitable bacterial host; (2) selecting VEGF-C and asecond protein against which blocking and non-blocking activity,respectively, is desired; (3) adsorbing the anti-VEGF-C phage clones toimmobilized VEGF-C; (4) using an excess of the second protein to eluteany undesired clones that recognize VEGF-C-binding determinants whichoverlap or are shared with the binding determinants of the secondprotein; and (5) eluting the clones which remain adsorbed following step(4). Optionally, clones with the desired blocking/non-blockingproperties can be further enriched by repeating the selection proceduresdescribed herein one or more times.

DNA encoding hybridoma-derived monoclonal antibodies or phage display Fvclones of the invention is readily isolated and sequenced usingconventional procedures (e.g. by using oligonucleotide primers designedto specifically amplify the heavy and light chain coding regions ofinterest from hybridoma or phage DNA template). Once isolated, the DNAcan be placed into expression vectors, which are then transfected intohost cells such as E. coli cells, simian COS cells, Chinese hamsterovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do not otherwise produceimmunoglobulin protein, to obtain the synthesis of the desiredmonoclonal antibodies in the recombinant host cells. Review articles onrecombinant expression in bacteria of antibody-encoding DNA includeSkerra et al., Curr. Opinion in Immunol., 5: 256 (1993) and Pluckthun,Immunol. Revs, 130: 151 (1992).

DNA encoding the Fv clones of the invention can be combined with knownDNA sequences encoding heavy chain and/or light chain constant regions(e.g. the appropriate DNA sequences can be obtained from Kabat et al.,supra) to form clones encoding full or partial length heavy and/or lightchains. It will be appreciated that constant regions of any isotype canbe used for this purpose, including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE constantregions, and that such constant regions can be obtained from any humanor animal species. An Fv clone derived from the variable domain DNA ofone animal (such as human) species and then fused to constant region DNAof another animal species to form coding sequence(s) for “hybrid,” fulllength heavy chain and/or light chain is included in the definition of“chimeric” and “hybrid” antibody as used herein. In certain embodiments,an Fv clone derived from human variable DNA is fused to human constantregion DNA to form coding sequence(s) for full- or partial-length humanheavy and/or light chains.

DNA encoding anti-VEGF-C antibody derived from a hybridoma of theinvention can also be modified, for example, by substituting the codingsequence for human heavy- and light-chain constant domains in place ofhomologous murine sequences derived from the hybridoma clone (e.g. as inthe method of Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81: 6851-6855(1984)). DNA encoding a hybridoma- or Fv clone-derived antibody orfragment can be further modified by covalently joining to theimmunoglobulin coding sequence all or part of the coding sequence for anon-immunoglobulin polypeptide. In this manner, “chimeric” or “hybrid”antibodies are prepared that have the binding specificity of the Fvclone or hybridoma clone-derived antibodies of the invention.

Vectors, Host Cells, and Recombinant Methods

Antibodies may also be produced using recombinant methods. Forrecombinant production of an anti-VEGF-C antibody, nucleic acid encodingthe antibody is isolated and inserted into a replicable vector forfurther cloning (amplification of the DNA) or for expression. DNAencoding the antibody may be readily isolated and sequenced usingconventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that arecapable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and lightchains of the antibody). Many vectors are available. The vectorcomponents generally include, but are not limited to, one or more of thefollowing: a signal sequence, an origin of replication, one or moremarker genes, an enhancer element, a promoter, and a transcriptiontermination sequence.

Signal Sequence Component

An antibody of the invention may be produced recombinantly not onlydirectly, but also as a fusion polypeptide with a heterologouspolypeptide, which is preferably a signal sequence or other polypeptidehaving a specific cleavage site at the N-terminus of the mature proteinor polypeptide. The heterologous signal sequence selected preferably isone that is recognized and processed (i.e., cleaved by a signalpeptidase) by the host cell. For prokaryotic host cells that do notrecognize and process a native antibody signal sequence, the signalsequence is substituted by a prokaryotic signal sequence selected, forexample, from the group of the alkaline phosphatase, penicillinase, lpp,or heat-stable enterotoxin II leaders. For yeast secretion the nativesignal sequence may be substituted by, e.g., the yeast invertase leader,a factor leader (including Saccharomyces and Kluyveromyces α-factorleaders), or acid phosphatase leader, the C. albicans glucoamylaseleader, or the signal described in WO 90/13646. In mammalian cellexpression, mammalian signal sequences as well as viral secretoryleaders, for example, the herpes simplex gD signal, are available.

Origin of Replication

Both expression and cloning vectors contain a nucleic acid sequence thatenables the vector to replicate in one or more selected host cells.Generally, in cloning vectors this sequence is one that enables thevector to replicate independently of the host chromosomal DNA, andincludes origins of replication or autonomously replicating sequences.Such sequences are well known for a variety of bacteria, yeast, andviruses. The origin of replication from the plasmid pBR322 is suitablefor most Gram-negative bacteria, the 2μ plasmid origin is suitable foryeast, and various viral origins (SV40, polyoma, adenovirus, VSV or BPV)are useful for cloning vectors in mammalian cells. Generally, the originof replication component is not needed for mammalian expression vectors(the SV40 origin may typically be used only because it contains theearly promoter).

Selection Gene Component

Expression and cloning vectors may contain a selection gene, also termeda selectable marker. Typical selection genes encode proteins that (a)confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxins, e.g., ampicillin,neomycin, methotrexate, or tetracycline, (b) complement auxotrophicdeficiencies, or (c) supply critical nutrients not available fromcomplex media, e.g., the gene encoding D-alanine racemase for Bacilli.

One example of a selection scheme utilizes a drug to arrest growth of ahost cell. Those cells that are successfully transformed with aheterologous gene produce a protein conferring drug resistance and thussurvive the selection regimen. Examples of such dominant selection usethe drugs neomycin, mycophenolic acid and hygromycin.

Another example of suitable selectable markers for mammalian cells arethose that enable the identification of cells competent to take upantibody-encoding nucleic acid, such as DHFR, glutamine synthetase (GS),thymidine kinase, metallothionein-I and -II, preferably primatemetallothionein genes, adenosine deaminase, ornithine decarboxylase,etc.

For example, cells transformed with the DHFR gene are identified byculturing the transformants in a culture medium containing methotrexate(Mtx), a competitive antagonist of DHFR. Under these conditions, theDHFR gene is amplified along with any other co-transformed nucleic acid.A Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line deficient in endogenous DHFRactivity (e.g., ATCC CRL-9096) may be used.

Alternatively, cells transformed with the GS gene are identified byculturing the transformants in a culture medium containing L-methioninesulfoximine (Msx), an inhibitor of GS. Under these conditions, the GSgene is amplified along with any other co-transformed nucleic acid. TheGS selection/amplification system may be used in combination with theDHFR selection/amplification system described above.

Alternatively, host cells (particularly wild-type hosts that containendogenous DHFR) transformed or co-transformed with DNA sequencesencoding an antibody of interest, wild-type DHFR gene, and anotherselectable marker such as aminoglycoside 3′-phosphotransferase (APH) canbe selected by cell growth in medium containing a selection agent forthe selectable marker such as an aminoglycosidic antibiotic, e.g.,kanamycin, neomycin, or G418. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,199.

A suitable selection gene for use in yeast is the trp1 gene present inthe yeast plasmid YRp7 (Stinchcomb et al., Nature, 282:39 (1979)). Thetrp1 gene provides a selection marker for a mutant strain of yeastlacking the ability to grow in tryptophan, for example, ATCC No. 44076or PEP4-1. Jones, Genetics, 85:12 (1977). The presence of the trp1lesion in the yeast host cell genome then provides an effectiveenvironment for detecting transformation by growth in the absence oftryptophan. Similarly, Leu2-deficient yeast strains (ATCC 20,622 or38,626) are complemented by known plasmids bearing the Leu2 gene.

In addition, vectors derived from the 1.6 μm circular plasmid pKD1 canbe used for transformation of Kluyveromyces yeasts. Alternatively, anexpression system for large-scale production of recombinant calfchymosin was reported for K. lactis. Van den Berg, Bio/Technology, 8:135(1990). Stable multi-copy expression vectors for secretion of maturerecombinant human serum albumin by industrial strains of Kluyveromyceshave also been disclosed. Fleer et al., Bio/Technology, 9:968-975(1991).

Promoter Component

Expression and cloning vectors generally contain a promoter that isrecognized by the host organism and is operably linked to nucleic acidencoding an antibody. Promoters suitable for use with prokaryotic hostsinclude the phoA promoter, β-lactamase and lactose promoter systems,alkaline phosphatase promoter, a tryptophan (trp) promoter system, andhybrid promoters such as the tac promoter. However, other knownbacterial promoters are suitable. Promoters for use in bacterial systemsalso will contain a Shine-Dalgarno (S.D.) sequence operably linked tothe DNA encoding an antibody.

Promoter sequences are known for eukaryotes. Virtually all eukaryoticgenes have an AT-rich region located approximately 25 to 30 basesupstream from the site where transcription is initiated. Anothersequence found 70 to 80 bases upstream from the start of transcriptionof many genes is a CNCAAT region where N may be any nucleotide. At the3′ end of most eukaryotic genes is an AATAAA sequence that may be thesignal for addition of the poly A tail to the 3′ end of the codingsequence. All of these sequences are suitably inserted into eukaryoticexpression vectors.

Examples of suitable promoter sequences for use with yeast hosts includethe promoters for 3-phosphoglycerate kinase or other glycolytic enzymes,such as enolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase,pyruvate decarboxylase, phosphofructokinase, glucose-6-phosphateisomerase, 3-phosphoglycerate mutase, pyruvate kinase, triosephosphateisomerase, phosphoglucose isomerase, and glucokinase.

Other yeast promoters, which are inducible promoters having theadditional advantage of transcription controlled by growth conditions,are the promoter regions for alcohol dehydrogenase 2, isocytochrome C,acid phosphatase, degradative enzymes associated with nitrogenmetabolism, metallothionein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase,and enzymes responsible for maltose and galactose utilization. Suitablevectors and promoters for use in yeast expression are further describedin EP 73,657. Yeast enhancers also are advantageously used with yeastpromoters.

Antibody transcription from vectors in mammalian host cells can becontrolled, for example, by promoters obtained from the genomes ofviruses such as polyoma virus, fowlpox virus, adenovirus (such asAdenovirus 2), bovine papilloma virus, avian sarcoma virus,cytomegalovirus, a retrovirus, hepatitis-B virus, Simian Virus 40(SV40), or from heterologous mammalian promoters, e.g., the actinpromoter or an immunoglobulin promoter, from heat-shock promoters,provided such promoters are compatible with the host cell systems.

The early and late promoters of the SV40 virus are conveniently obtainedas an SV40 restriction fragment that also contains the SV40 viral originof replication. The immediate early promoter of the humancytomegalovirus is conveniently obtained as a HindIII E restrictionfragment. A system for expressing DNA in mammalian hosts using thebovine papilloma virus as a vector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,419,446. A modification of this system is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,601,978. See also Reyes et al., Nature 297:598-601 (1982) onexpression of human β-interferon cDNA in mouse cells under the controlof a thymidine kinase promoter from herpes simplex virus. Alternatively,the Rous Sarcoma Virus long terminal repeat can be used as the promoter.

Enhancer Element Component

Transcription of a DNA encoding an antibody of this invention by highereukaryotes is often increased by inserting an enhancer sequence into thevector. Many enhancer sequences are now known from mammalian genes(globin, elastase, albumin, α-fetoprotein, and insulin). Typically,however, one will use an enhancer from a eukaryotic cell virus. Examplesinclude the SV40 enhancer on the late side of the replication origin (bp100-270), the cytomegalovirus early promoter enhancer, the polyomaenhancer on the late side of the replication origin, and adenovirusenhancers. See also Yaniv, Nature 297:17-18 (1982) on enhancing elementsfor activation of eukaryotic promoters. The enhancer may be spliced intothe vector at a position 5′ or 3′ to the antibody-encoding sequence, butis preferably located at a site 5′ from the promoter.

Transcription Termination Component

Expression vectors used in eukaryotic host cells (yeast, fungi, insect,plant, animal, human, or nucleated cells from other multicellularorganisms) will also contain sequences necessary for the termination oftranscription and for stabilizing the mRNA. Such sequences are commonlyavailable from the 5′ and, occasionally 3′, untranslated regions ofeukaryotic or viral DNAs or cDNAs. These regions contain nucleotidesegments transcribed as polyadenylated fragments in the untranslatedportion of the mRNA encoding antibody. One useful transcriptiontermination component is the bovine growth hormone polyadenylationregion. See WO94/11026 and the expression vector disclosed therein.

Selection and Transformation of Host Cells

Suitable host cells for cloning or expressing the DNA in the vectorsherein are the prokaryote, yeast, or higher eukaryote cells describedabove. Suitable prokaryotes for this purpose include eubacteria, such asGram-negative or Gram-positive organisms, for example,Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia, e.g., E. coli, Enterobacter,Erwinia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella, e.g., Salmonella typhimurium,Serratia, e.g., Serratia marcescans, and Shigella, as well as Bacillisuch as B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (e.g., B. licheniformis 41Pdisclosed in DD 266,710 published 12 Apr. 1989), Pseudomonas such as P.aeruginosa, and Streptomyces. One preferred E. coli cloning host is E.coli 294 (ATCC 31,446), although other strains such as E. coli B, E.coli X1776 (ATCC 31,537), and E. coli W3110 (ATCC 27,325) are suitable.These examples are illustrative rather than limiting.

Full length antibody, antibody fusion proteins, and antibody fragmentscan be produced in bacteria, in particular when glycosylation and Fceffector function are not needed, such as when the therapeutic antibodyis conjugated to a cytotoxic agent (e.g., a toxin) that by itself showseffectiveness in tumor cell destruction. Full length antibodies havegreater half life in circulation. Production in E. coli is faster andmore cost efficient. For expression of antibody fragments andpolypeptides in bacteria, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,237 (Carter et.al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,199 (Joly et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,523(Simmons et al.), which describes translation initiation region (TIR)and signal sequences for optimizing expression and secretion. See alsoCharlton, Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 248 (B. K. C. Lo, ed.,Humana Press, Totowa, N.J., 2003), pp. 245-254, describing expression ofantibody fragments in E. coli. After expression, the antibody may beisolated from the E. coli cell paste in a soluble fraction and can bepurified through, e.g., a protein A or G column depending on theisotype. Final purification can be carried out similar to the processfor purifying antibody expressed e.g, in CHO cells.

In addition to prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes such as filamentousfungi or yeast are suitable cloning or expression hosts forantibody-encoding vectors. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or common baker'syeast, is the most commonly used among lower eukaryotic hostmicroorganisms. However, a number of other genera, species, and strainsare commonly available and useful herein, such as Schizosaccharomycespombe; Kluyveromyces hosts such as, e.g., K. lactis, K. fragilis (ATCC12,424), K. bulgaricus (ATCC 16,045), K. wickeramii (ATCC 24,178), K.waltii (ATCC 56,500), K. drosophilarum (ATCC 36,906), K. thermotolerans,and K. marxianus; yarrowia (EP 402,226); Pichia pastoris (EP 183,070);Candida; Trichoderma reesia (EP 244,234); Neurospora crassa;Schwanniomyces such as Schwanniomyces occidentalis; and filamentousfungi such as, e.g., Neurospora, Penicillium, Tolypocladium, andAspergillus hosts such as A. nidulans and A. niger. For a reviewdiscussing the use of yeasts and filamentous fungi for the production oftherapeutic proteins, see, e.g., Gerngross, Nat. Biotech. 22:1409-1414(2004).

Certain fungi and yeast strains may be selected in which glycosylationpathways have been “humanized,” resulting in the production of anantibody with a partially or fully human glycosylation pattern. See,e.g., Li et al., Nat. Biotech. 24:210-215 (2006) (describinghumanization of the glycosylation pathway in Pichia pastoris); andGerngross et al., supra.

Suitable host cells for the expression of glycosylated antibody are alsoderived from multicellular organisms (invertebrates and vertebrates).Examples of invertebrate cells include plant and insect cells. Numerousbaculoviral strains and variants and corresponding permissive insecthost cells from hosts such as Spodoptera frugiperda (caterpillar), Aedesaegypti (mosquito), Aedes albopictus (mosquito), Drosophila melanogaster(fruitfly), and Bombyx mori have been identified. A variety of viralstrains for transfection are publicly available, e.g., the L-1 variantof Autographa californica NPV and the Bm-5 strain of Bombyx mori NPV,and such viruses may be used as the virus herein according to thepresent invention, particularly for transfection of Spodopterafrugiperda cells.

Plant cell cultures of cotton, corn, potato, soybean, petunia, tomato,duckweed (Lemnaceae), alfalfa (M. truncatula), and tobacco can also beutilized as hosts. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,959,177, 6,040,498,6,420,548, 7,125,978, and 6,417,429 (describing PLANTIBODIES™ technologyfor producing antibodies in transgenic plants).

Vertebrate cells may be used as hosts, and propagation of vertebratecells in culture (tissue culture) has become a routine procedure.Examples of useful mammalian host cell lines are monkey kidney CV1 linetransformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney line(293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in suspension culture, Graham etal., J. Gen Virol. 36:59 (1977)); baby hamster kidney cells (BHK, ATCCCCL 10); mouse sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod. 23:243-251(1980)); monkey kidney cells (CV1 ATCC CCL 70); African green monkeykidney cells (VERO-76, ATCC CRL-1587); human cervical carcinoma cells(HELA, ATCC CCL 2); canine kidney cells (MDCK, ATCC CCL 34); buffalo ratliver cells (BRL 3A, ATCC CRL 1442); human lung cells (W138, ATCC CCL75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB 8065); mouse mammary tumor (MMT060562, ATCC CCL51); TRI cells (Mather et al., Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci.383:44-68 (1982)); MRC 5 cells; FS4 cells; and a human hepatoma line(Hep G2). Other useful mammalian host cell lines include Chinese hamsterovary (CHO) cells, including DHFR⁻ CHO cells (Urlaub et al., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216 (1980)); and myeloma cell lines such as NSO andSp2/0. For a review of certain mammalian host cell lines suitable forantibody production, see, e.g., Yazaki and Wu, Methods in MolecularBiology, Vol. 248 (B. K. C. Lo, ed., Humana Press, Totowa, N.J., 2003),pp. 255-268.

Host cells are transformed with the above-described expression orcloning vectors for antibody production and cultured in conventionalnutrient media modified as appropriate for inducing promoters, selectingtransformants, or amplifying the genes encoding the desired sequences.

Culturing the Host Cells

The host cells used to produce an antibody of this invention may becultured in a variety of media. Commercially available media such asHam's F10 (Sigma), Minimal Essential Medium ((MEM), (Sigma), RPMI-1640(Sigma), and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium ((DMEM), Sigma) aresuitable for culturing the host cells. In addition, any of the mediadescribed in Ham et al., Meth. Enz. 58:44 (1979), Barnes et al., Anal.Biochem. 102:255 (1980), U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,704; 4,657,866; 4,927,762;4,560,655; or 5,122,469; WO 90/03430; WO 87/00195; or U.S. Pat. Re. No.30,985 may be used as culture media for the host cells. Any of thesemedia may be supplemented as necessary with hormones and/or other growthfactors (such as insulin, transferrin, or epidermal growth factor),salts (such as sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate),buffers (such as HEPES), nucleotides (such as adenosine and thymidine),antibiotics (such as GENTAMYCIN™ drug), trace elements (defined asinorganic compounds usually present at final concentrations in themicromolar range), and glucose or an equivalent energy source. Any othernecessary supplements may also be included at appropriate concentrationsthat would be known to those skilled in the art. The culture conditions,such as temperature, pH, and the like, are those previously used withthe host cell selected for expression, and will be apparent to theordinarily skilled artisan.

Purification of Antibody

When using recombinant techniques, the antibody can be producedintracellularly, in the periplasmic space, or directly secreted into themedium. If the antibody is produced intracellularly, as a first step,the particulate debris, either host cells or lysed fragments, areremoved, for example, by centrifugation or ultrafiltration. Carter etal., Bio/Technology 10:163-167 (1992) describe a procedure for isolatingantibodies which are secreted to the periplasmic space of E. coli.Briefly, cell paste is thawed in the presence of sodium acetate (pH3.5), EDTA, and phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF) over about 30 min.Cell debris can be removed by centrifugation. Where the antibody issecreted into the medium, supernatants from such expression systems aregenerally first concentrated using a commercially available proteinconcentration filter, for example, an Amicon or Millipore Pelliconultrafiltration unit. A protease inhibitor such as PMSF may be includedin any of the foregoing steps to inhibit proteolysis and antibiotics maybe included to prevent the growth of adventitious contaminants.

The antibody composition prepared from the cells can be purified using,for example, hydroxylapatite chromatography, hydrophobic interactionchromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, and affinitychromatography, with affinity chromatography being among one of thetypically preferred purification steps. The suitability of protein A asan affinity ligand depends on the species and isotype of anyimmunoglobulin Fc domain that is present in the antibody. Protein A canbe used to purify antibodies that are based on human γ1, γ2, or γ4 heavychains (Lindmark et al., J. Immunol. Meth. 62:1-13 (1983)). Protein G isrecommended for all mouse isotypes and for human γ3 (Guss et al., EMBOJ. 5:15671575 (1986)). The matrix to which the affinity ligand isattached is most often agarose, but other matrices are available.Mechanically stable matrices such as controlled pore glass orpoly(styrenedivinyl)benzene allow for faster flow rates and shorterprocessing times than can be achieved with agarose. Where the antibodycomprises a C_(H)3 domain, the Bakerbond ABX™ resin (J. T. Baker,Phillipsburg, N.J.) is useful for purification. Other techniques forprotein purification such as fractionation on an ion-exchange column,ethanol precipitation, Reverse Phase HPLC, chromatography on silica,chromatography on heparin SEPHAROSE™ chromatography on an anion orcation exchange resin (such as a polyaspartic acid column),chromatofocusing, SDS-PAGE, and ammonium sulfate precipitation are alsoavailable depending on the antibody to be recovered.

Following any preliminary purification step(s), the mixture comprisingthe antibody of interest and contaminants may be subjected to low pHhydrophobic interaction chromatography using an elution buffer at a pHbetween about 2.5-4.5, preferably performed at low salt concentrations(e.g., from about 0-0.25M salt).

In general, various methodologies for preparing antibodies for use inresearch, testing, and clinical are well-established in the art,consistent with the above-described methodologies and/or as deemedappropriate by one skilled in the art for a particular antibody ofinterest.

Pharmaceutical Formulations and Dosages

The antibody composition will be formulated, dosed, and administered ina fashion consistent with good medical practice. Factors forconsideration in this context include, but not limited to, theparticular disorder being treated, the particular mammal being treated,the clinical condition of the individual patient, the cause of thedisorder, the site of delivery of the agent, the method ofadministration, the scheduling of administration, and other factorsknown to medical practitioners. For the prevention or treatment ofdisease, the appropriate dosage of an antibody of the invention (whenused alone or in combination with one or more other additionaltherapeutic agents) will depend on the type of disease to be treated,the type of antibody, the severity and course of the disease, whetherthe antibody is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes,previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and response to theantibody, and the discretion of the attending physician. The antibody issuitably administered to the patient at one time or over a series oftreatments.

Pharmaceutical formulations herein may also contain more than one activecompound as necessary for the particular indication being treated,preferably those with complementary activities that do not adverselyaffect each other. Such molecules are suitably present in combination inamounts that are effective for the purpose intended.

The “therapeutically effective amount” of the antibody to beadministered will be governed by considerations discussed above, and isthe minimum amount necessary to prevent, ameliorate, or treat a diseaseor disorder. The antibody need not be, but is optionally formulated withone or more agents currently used to prevent or treat the disorder inquestion. The effective amount of such other agents depends on theamount of antibody present in the formulation, the type of disorder ortreatment, and other factors discussed above. These are generally usedin the same dosages and with administration routes as used hereinbeforeor about from 1 to 99% of the heretofore employed dosages. Generally,alleviation or treatment of a disease or disorder involves the lesseningof one or more symptoms or medical problems associated with the diseaseor disorder. In the case of cancer, the therapeutically effective amountof the drug can accomplish one or a combination of the following: reducethe number of cancer cells; reduce the tumor size; inhibit (i.e., todecrease to some extent and/or stop) cancer cell infiltration intoperipheral organs; inhibit tumor metastasis; inhibit, to some extent,tumor growth; and/or relieve to some extent one or more of the symptomsassociated with the cancer. To the extent the drug may prevent growthand/or kill existing cancer cells, it may be cytostatic and/orcytotoxic. In some embodiments, a composition of this invention can beused to prevent the onset or reoccurrence of the disease or disorder ina subject or mammal.

In certain embodiments, depending on the type and severity of thedisease, about 1 μg/kg to 50 mg/kg (e.g., 0.1-20 mg/kg) of antibody isan initial candidate dosage for administration to the patient, whether,for example, by one or more separate administrations, or by continuousinfusion. In another embodiment, about 1 μg/kg to 15 mg/kg (e.g. 0.1mg/kg-10 mg/kg) of antibody is an initial candidate dosage foradministration to the patient. A typical daily dosage might range fromabout 1 μg/kg to 100 mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentionedabove. For repeated administrations over several days or longer,depending on the condition, the treatment is sustained until a desiredsuppression of disease symptoms occurs.

One exemplary dosage of the antibody would be in the range from about0.05 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg. Thus, one or more doses of about 0.5mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 4.0 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg, 6.0 mg/kg,7.0 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, 8.0 mg/kg, 9.0 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg (or anycombination thereof) may be administered to the patient. Such doses maybe administered intermittently, e.g. every day, every three days, everyweek or every two to three weeks (e.g. such that the patient receivesfrom about two to about twenty, or e.g. about six doses of theantibody). In one embodiment, dose of about 10 mg/kg is administeredevery three days. An initial higher loading dose, followed by one ormore lower doses may be administered. In one embodiment, an exemplarydosing regimen comprises administering an initial loading dose of about4 mg/kg, followed by a weekly maintenance dose of about 2 mg/kg of theantibody. However, other dosage regimens may be useful.

In certain embodiments, dosing regimens discussed herein are used incombination with anti-VEGF antibody and/or a chemotherapy regimen as thefirst line therapy for treating metastatic colorectal cancer. In someaspects, the chemotherapy regimen involves the traditional high-doseintermittent administration. In some other aspects, the chemotherapeuticagents are administered using smaller and more frequent doses withoutscheduled breaks (“metronomic chemotherapy”).

The progress of the therapy of the invention is easily monitored byconventional techniques and assays.

An antibody of the invention (and any additional therapeutic agent oradjuvant) can be administered by any suitable means, includingparenteral, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intrapulmonary, andintranasal, and, if desired for local treatment, intralesionaladministration. Parenteral infusions include intramuscular, intravenous,intraarterial, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration. Inaddition, the antibody is suitably administered by pulse infusion,particularly with declining doses of the antibody. Dosing can be by anysuitable route, e.g. by injections, such as intravenous or subcutaneousinjections, depending in part on whether the administration is brief orchronic.

The location of the binding target of an antibody of the invention maybe taken into consideration in preparation and administration of theantibody. When the binding target of an antibody is located in thebrain, certain embodiments of the invention provide for the antibody totraverse the blood-brain barrier. Several art-known approaches exist fortransporting molecules across the blood-brain barrier, including, butnot limited to, physical methods, lipid-based methods, stem cell-basedmethods, and receptor and channel-based methods.

Physical methods of transporting an antibody across the blood-brainbarrier include, but are not limited to, circumventing the blood-brainbarrier entirely, or by creating openings in the blood-brain barrier.Circumvention methods include, but are not limited to, direct injectioninto the brain (see, e.g., Papanastassiou et al., Gene Therapy 9:398-406 (2002)), interstitial infusion/convection-enhanced delivery(see, e.g., Bobo et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 2076-2080(1994)), and implanting a delivery device in the brain (see, e.g., Gillet al., Nature Med. 9: 589-595 (2003); and Gliadel Wafers™, GuildfordPharmaceutical). Methods of creating openings in the barrier include,but are not limited to, ultrasound (see, e.g., U.S. Patent PublicationNo. 2002/0038086), osmotic pressure (e.g., by administration ofhypertonic mannitol (Neuwelt, E. A., Implication of the Blood-BrainBarrier and its Manipulation, Vols 1 & 2, Plenum Press, N.Y. (1989)),permeabilization by, e.g., bradykinin or permeabilizer A-7 (see, e.g.,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,112,596, 5,268,164, 5,506,206, and 5,686,416), andtransfection of neurons that straddle the blood-brain barrier withvectors containing genes encoding the antibody (see, e.g., U.S. PatentPublication No. 2003/0083299).

Lipid-based methods of transporting an antibody across the blood-brainbarrier include, but are not limited to, encapsulating the antibody inliposomes that are coupled to antibody binding fragments that bind toreceptors on the vascular endothelium of the blood-brain barrier (see,e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20020025313), and coatingthe antibody in low-density lipoprotein particles (see, e.g., U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 20040204354) or apolipoprotein E(see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20040131692).

Stem-cell based methods of transporting an antibody across theblood-brain barrier entail genetically engineering neural progenitorcells (NPCs) to express the antibody of interest and then implanting thestem cells into the brain of the individual to be treated. See Behrstocket al. (2005) Gene Ther. 15 Dec. 2005 advanced online publication(reporting that NPCs genetically engineered to express the neurotrophicfactor GDNF reduced symptoms of Parkinson disease when implanted intothe brains of rodent and primate models).

Receptor and channel-based methods of transporting an antibody acrossthe blood-brain barrier include, but are not limited to, usingglucocorticoid blockers to increase permeability of the blood-brainbarrier (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.2002/0065259, 2003/0162695, and 2005/0124533); activating potassiumchannels (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2005/0089473), inhibiting ABC drug transporters (see, e.g., U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2003/0073713); coating antibodies with atransferrin and modulating activity of the one or more transferrinreceptors (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2003/0129186), and cationizing the antibodies (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5,004,697).

Pharmaceutical formulations comprising an antibody of the invention areprepared for storage by mixing the antibody having the desired degree ofpurity with optional physiologically acceptable carriers, excipients orstabilizers (Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20thedition (2000)), in the form of aqueous solutions, lyophilized or otherdried formulations. Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers arenontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, andinclude buffers such as phosphate, citrate, histidine and other organicacids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine;preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride;hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride;phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propylparaben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol);low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides;proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins;hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such asglycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine;monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates includingglucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugarssuch as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-formingcounter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-proteincomplexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as TWEEN™, PLURONICS™ orpolyethylene glycol (PEG).

The active ingredients may also be entrapped in microcapsule prepared,for example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacialpolymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose orgelatin-microcapsule and poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsule,respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example,liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles andnanocapsules) or in macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed inRemington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th edition (2000).

The formulations to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile.This is readily accomplished by filtration through sterile filtrationmembranes.

Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable examples ofsustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solidhydrophobic polymers containing the immunoglobulin of the invention,which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, ormicrocapsule. Examples of sustained-release matrices include polyesters,hydrogels (for example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), orpoly(vinylalcohol)), polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), copolymersof L-glutamic acid and γ ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradableethylene-vinyl acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymerssuch as the LUPRON DEPOT™ (injectable microspheres composed of lacticacid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), andpoly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid. While polymers such as ethylene-vinylacetate and lactic acid-glycolic acid enable release of molecules forover 100 days, certain hydrogels release proteins for shorter timeperiods. When encapsulated immunoglobulins remain in the body for a longtime, they may denature or aggregate as a result of exposure to moistureat 37° C., resulting in a loss of biological activity and possiblechanges in immunogenicity. Rational strategies can be devised forstabilization depending on the mechanism involved. For example, if theaggregation mechanism is discovered to be intermolecular S—S bondformation through thio-disulfide interchange, stabilization may beachieved by modifying sulfhydryl residues, lyophilizing from acidicsolutions, controlling moisture content, using appropriate additives,and developing specific polymer matrix compositions.

Methods

The invention further provides methods, kits and articles of manufacturefor modulating (e.g., inhibiting) processes involved inlympthangiogenesis and angiogenesis and for use in targetingpathological conditions associated with lymphangiogenesis andangiogenesis, such as cancer.

Anti-angiogenic therapy in relationship to cancer is a cancer treatmentstrategy aimed at inhibiting the development of tumor blood vesselsrequired for providing nutrients to support tumor growth. Becauseangiogenesis is involved in both primary tumor growth and metastasis,the antiangiogenic treatment provided by the invention is capable ofinhibiting the neoplastic growth of tumor at the primary site as well aspreventing metastasis of tumors at the secondary sites, thereforeallowing attack of the tumors by other therapeutics.

Accordingly, the invention encompasses methods for inhibitingangiogenesis using an effective amount of a VEGF-C antagonist (such asan anti-VEGF-C antibody or a VEGF-C immunoadhesin) to inhibit VEGF-Cactivation of VEGF-C receptors (such as VEGFR3 and VEGFR2). In anotheraspect, the invention provides methods for inhibiting lymphangiogenesiscomprising administering an effective amount of a VEGF-C antagonist to asubject in need of such treatment. In some embodiments, the VEGF-Cantagonist is capable of inhibiting LEC endothelial cell migration,proliferation and/or inhibiting LEC sprouting. In another embodiment,the invention provides methods for inhibiting LEC endothelial cellproliferation and/or inhibiting LEC endothelial cell migrationcomprising administering an effective amount of a VEGF-C antagonist anda VEGF-A antagonist to a subject in need of such treatment. In oneembodiment, the VEGF-C antagonist is anti-VEGF-C antibody and the VEGF-Aantagonist is anti-VEGF-A antibody. In yet another embodiment, theanti-VEGF-A antibody is bevacizumab.

Therapeutic Methods

An antibody of the invention may be used in, for example, in vitro, exvivo, and in vivo therapeutic methods.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods for treating or preventinga tumor, a cancer, and/or a cell proliferative disorder (e.g., disorderassociated with increased expression and/or activity of VEGF-C)comprising administering an effective amount of an anti-VEGF-C antibodyto a subject in need of such treatment.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods for reducing, inhibiting,blocking, or preventing growth of a tumor or cancer, the methodscomprising administering an effective amount of an anti-VEGF-C antibodyto a subject in need of such treatment.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods for inhibitingangiogenesis comprising administering an effective amount of ananti-VEGF-C antibody to a subject in need of such treatment.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods for treating apathological condition associated with angiogenesis comprisingadministering an effective amount of an anti-VEGF-C antibody to asubject in need of such treatment. In some embodiments, the pathologicalcondition associated with angiogenesis is a tumor, a cancer, and/or acell proliferative disorder.

An antibody of the invention can be administered to a human fortherapeutic purposes. In one embodiment, an antibody of the invention isused in a method for binding VEGF-C in an individual suffering from adisorder associated with increased VEGF-C expression and/or activity,the method comprising administering to the individual the antibody suchthat VEGF-C in the individual is bound. In one embodiment, the VEGF-C ishuman VEGF-C, and the individual is a human individual. Alternatively,the individual can be a mammal expressing VEGF-C to which an antibody ofthe invention binds. Still further the individual can be a mammal intowhich VEGF-C has been introduced (e.g., by administration of VEGF-C orby expression of a transgene encoding VEGF-C).

In one aspect, at least some of the antibodies of the invention can bindVEGF-C from species other than human. Accordingly, the antibodies of theinvention can be used to bind specific antigen activity, e.g., in a cellculture containing the antigen, in human subjects or in other mammaliansubjects having the antigen with which an antibody of the inventioncross-reacts (e.g., chimpanzee, baboon, marmoset, cynomolgus and rhesus,pig or mouse). In one embodiment, the antibody of the invention can beused for inhibiting antigen activities by contacting the antibody withthe antigen such that antigen activity is inhibited. Preferably, theantigen is a human protein molecule.

Moreover, an antibody of the invention can be administered to anon-human mammal expressing VEGF-C with which the antibody cross-reacts(e.g., a primate, pig, rat, or mouse) for veterinary purposes or as ananimal model of human disease. Regarding the latter, such animal modelsmay be useful for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of antibodies ofthe invention (e.g., testing of dosages and time courses ofadministration).

The antibodies of the invention can be used to treat, inhibit, delayprogression of, prevent/delay recurrence of, ameliorate, or preventdiseases, disorders or conditions associated with expression and/oractivity of one or more antigen molecules.

The present invention also encompasses the prevention and treatment oftumoral lymphangiogenesis, the prevention and treatment of tumormetastasis and anti-angiogenic cancer therapy, a novel cancer treatmentstrategy aimed at inhibiting the development of tumor blood vesselsrequired for providing nutrients to support tumor growth.

The invention specifically includes inhibiting the neoplastic growth oftumor at the primary site as well as preventing and/or treatingmetastasis of tumors at the secondary sites, therefore allowing attackof the tumors by other therapeutics. Examples of cancer to be treated(including prevention) herein include, but are not limited to, cancersprovided herein under “Definitions,” such as carcinoma, lymphoma,blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia or lymphoid malignancies. Moreparticular examples of such cancers include, but not limited to,squamous cell cancer (e.g., epithelial squamous cell cancer), lungcancer including small-cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer,adenocarcinoma of the lung and squamous carcinoma of the lung, cancer ofthe peritoneum, hepatocellular cancer, gastric or stomach cancerincluding gastrointestinal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal cancer,pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, livercancer, bladder cancer, cancer of the urinary tract, hepatoma, breastcancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial oruterine carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma, kidney or renal cancer,prostate cancer, vulval cancer, thyroid cancer, hepatic carcinoma, analcarcinoma, penile carcinoma, melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma,lentigo maligna melanoma, acral lentiginous melanomas, nodularmelanomas, multiple myeloma and B-cell lymphoma (including lowgrade/follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); small lymphocytic (SL)NHL; intermediate grade/follicular NHL; intermediate grade diffuse NHL;high grade immunoblastic NHL; high grade lymphoblastic NHL; high gradesmall non-cleaved cell NHL; bulky disease NHL; mantle cell lymphoma;AIDS-related lymphoma; and Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia); chroniclymphocytic leukemia (CLL); acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); hairycell leukemia; chronic myeloblastic leukemia; and post-transplantlymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), as well as abnormal vascularproliferation associated with phakomatoses, edema (such as thatassociated with brain tumors), Meigs' syndrome, brain, as well as headand neck cancer, and associated metastases. In certain embodiments,cancers that are amenable to treatment by the antibodies of theinvention include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, rectal cancer,non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL),renal cell cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer,soft-tissue sarcoma, kaposi's sarcoma, carcinoid carcinoma, head andneck cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and multiple myeloma. In someembodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of smallcell lung cancer, glioblastoma, neuroblastomas, melanoma, breastcarcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), and hepatocellularcarcinoma. Yet, in some embodiments, the cancer is selected from thegroup consisting of non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, renalcancer, ovarian cancer, glioblastoma and breast carcinoma, includingmetastatic forms of those cancers.

The invention further specifically includes preventing and/or treatingnon-neoplastic conditions. Non-neoplastic conditions that are amenableto treatment with antagonists useful in the invention include, but arenot limited to, e.g., undesired or aberrant hypertrophy, arthritis,rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, psoriatic plaques, sarcoidosis,atherosclerosis, atherosclerotic plaques, edema from myocardialinfarction, diabetic and other proliferative retinopathies includingretinopathy of prematurity, retrolental fibroplasia, neovascularglaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema,corneal neovascularization, corneal graft neovascularization, cornealgraft rejection, retinal/choroidal neovascularization,neovascularization of the angle (rubeosis), ocular neovascular disease,vascular restenosis, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), meningioma,hemangioma, angiofibroma, thyroid hyperplasias (including Grave'sdisease), corneal and other tissue transplantation, chronicinflammation, lung inflammation, acute lung injury/ARDS, sepsis, primarypulmonary hypertension, malignant pulmonary effusions, cerebral edema(e.g., associated with acute stroke/closed head injury/trauma), synovialinflammation, pannus formation in RA, myositis ossificans, hypertropicbone formation, osteoarthritis (OA), refractory ascites, polycysticovarian disease, endometriosis, 3rd spacing of fluid diseases(pancreatitis, compartment syndrome, burns, bowel disease), uterinefibroids, premature labor, chronic inflammation such as IBD (Crohn'sdisease and ulcerative colitis), renal allograft rejection, inflammatorybowel disease, nephrotic syndrome, undesired or aberrant tissue massgrowth (non-cancer), obesity, adipose tissue mass growth, hemophilicjoints, hypertrophic scars, inhibition of hair growth, Osler-Webersyndrome, pyogenic granuloma retrolental fibroplasias, scleroderma,trachoma, vascular adhesions, synovitis, dermatitis, preeclampsia,ascites, pericardial effusion (such as that associated withpericarditis), and pleural effusion.

Further examples of disorders to be treated with a VEGF-C antagonist(such as an anti-VEGF-C antibody) include an epithelial or cardiacdisorder.

It is understood that therapeutic methods described herein may becarried out using an immunoconjugate of the invention in place of or inaddition to the anti-VEGF-C antibody. In certain embodiments, animmunoconjugate comprising an antibody conjugated with one or morecytotoxic agent(s) is administered to the patient. In some embodiments,the immunoconjugate and/or antigen to which it is bound is/areinternalized by the cell, resulting in increased therapeutic efficacy ofthe immunoconjugate in killing the target cell to which it binds. In oneembodiment, the cytotoxic agent targets or interferes with nucleic acidin the target cell. In one embodiment, the cytotoxic agent targets orinterferes with microtubule polymerization. Examples of such cytotoxicagents include any of the chemotherapeutic agents noted herein (such asa maytansinoid, auristatin, dolastatin, or a calicheamicin), aradioactive isotope, or a ribonuclease or a DNA endonuclease.

Combination Therapies

Antibodies of the invention can be used either alone or in combinationwith other compositions in a therapy. In certain embodiments, anantibody of the invention may be co-administered with at least oneadditional therapeutic agent and/or adjuvant For instance, ananti-VEGF-C antibody of the invention may be co-administered withanother antibody (e.g., anti-VEGF antibody), chemotherapeutic agent(s)(including cocktails of chemotherapeutic agents), other cytotoxicagent(s), anti-angiogenic agent(s), cytokines, and/or growth inhibitoryagent(s).

Where an antibody of the invention inhibits tumor growth, it may beparticularly desirable to combine it with one or more other therapeuticagent(s) which also inhibits tumor growth, e.g., anti-angiogenic agentsand/or chemotherapeutic agents. Typically, the anti-VEGF-C antibodiesand anti-cancer agents are suitable for the same or similar diseases toblock or reduce a pathological disorder such as a tumor, a cancer or acell proliferative disorder. In one embodiment, anti-VEGF-C antibodiesmay be used in combinations with anti-cancer therapeutics oranti-neovascularization therapeutics to treat various neoplastic ornon-neoplastic conditions. Alternatively, or additionally, anti-VEGF-Cantibodies may be used in combinations with other inhibitors of VEGF-C.In one embodiment, the neoplastic or non-neoplastic condition ischaracterized by pathological disorder associated with aberrant orundesired angiogenesis. In another embodiment the anti-cancer agent isan anti-angiogenic agent.

Many anti-angiogenic agents and chemotherapeutic agents have beenidentified and are known in the arts. An exemplary and non-limiting listof anti-angiogenic agents and chemotherapeutic agents contemplated isprovided herein under “Definitions.” See also e.g., Carmeliet and Jain,Nature 407:249-257 (2000); Ferrara et al., Nature Reviews: DrugDiscovery, 3:391-400 (2004); and Sato Int. J. Clin. Oncol., 8:200-206(2003) and US Patent Publication No. US20030055006.

In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF-C antibody of the invention isused in combination with an anti-VEGF antibody to generate additive orsynergistic effects. In one embodiment, two or more antibodies bindingthe same or two or more different antigens disclosed herein can beco-administered to the patient. In another embodiment, anti-VEGFantibodies include those that bind to the same epitope as the anti-hVEGFantibody A4.6.1. In yet anther embodiment, the anti-VEGF antibody isbevacizumab or ranibizumab. Sometimes, it may be beneficial to alsoadminister one or more cytokines to the patient.

In one embodiment, a VEGF-C antagonist is used in combination with ananti-angiogenic agent such as anti-VEGF neutralizing antibody (orfragment) and/or another VEGF antagonist and/or a VEGF receptorantagonist including, but not limited to, for example, soluble VEGFreceptor (e.g., VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, neuropillins (e.g., NRP1,NRP2)) fragments, aptamers capable of blocking VEGF or VEGFR,neutralizing anti-VEGFR antibodies, low molecule weight inhibitors ofVEGFR tyrosine kinases (RTK), antisense strategies for VEGF, ribozymesagainst VEGF or VEGF receptors, antagonist variants of VEGF; and anycombinations thereof. In one embodiment, anti-angiogenic agent is a VEGFantagonist. In yet another embodiment, VEGF antagonist is an anti-VEGFantibody. In yet another embodiment, anti-VEGF antibody is bevacizumab(AVASTIN®, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif.). In anotherembodiment, anti-VEGF antibody is B20-4.1.1 described in US PatentPublication No. 2009/0142343. In yet another embodiment, anti-angiogenicagent is an anti-NRP1 antibody as described in PCT Publication No.WO2007056470, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference. In yet another embodiment, anti-angiogenic agent isan anti-NRP2 antibody as described in PCT Application No.PCT/US2007/069179, the entire disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference. In yet another embodiment,anti-angiogenic agent is an antibody described in PCT Application No.PCT/US2007/069185, the entire disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF antibody of the invention can beused in combination with small molecule receptor tyrosine kinaseinhibitors (RTKIs) that target one or more tyrosine kinase receptorssuch as VEGF receptors, FGF receptors, EGF receptors and PDGF receptors.Many therapeutic small molecule RTKIs are known in the art, including,but are not limited to, vatalanib (PTK787), erlotinib (TARCEVA®),OSI-7904, ZD6474 (ZACTIMA®), ZD6126 (ANG453), ZD1839, sunitinib(SUTENT®), semaxanib (SU5416), AMG706, AG013736, Imatinib (GLEEVEC®),MLN-518, CEP-701, PKC-412, Lapatinib (GSK572016), VELCADE®, AZD2171,sorafenib (NEXAVAR®), XL880, and CHIR-265. Other therapeutic agentsuseful for combination tumor therapy with the antibody of the inventioninclude antagonist of other factors that are involved in tumor growth,such as EGFR, ErbB2 (also known as Her2) ErbB3, ErbB4, or TNF.

In certain embodiments, two or more angiogenesis inhibitors mayoptionally be co-administered to the patient in addition to VEGF-Cantagonist and other agent. In one embodiment, one or more additionaltherapeutic agents, e.g., anti-cancer agents, can be administered incombination with VEGF-C antagonist, the VEGF antagonist, and ananti-angiogenic agent.

In certain aspects of the invention, other therapeutic agents useful forcombination tumor therapy with an anti-VEGF-C antibody include othercancer therapies, e.g., surgery and radiological treatments (e.g.external beam irradiation or therapy with a radioactive labeled agent,such as an antibody. In one embodiment, the patient may receive anantibody of the invention combined with radiation therapy.

The administration of the VEGF-C antagonist and the other therapeuticagent (e.g., anti-cancer agent, anti-angiogenic agent) can be donesimultaneously, e.g., as a single composition or as two or more distinctcompositions using the same or different administration routes.Alternatively, or additionally, the administration can be donesequentially, in any order. For example, the anti-cancer agent may beadministered first, followed by the VEGF-C antagonist. Alternatively, oradditionally, the steps can be performed as a combination of bothsequentially and simultaneously, in any order. In certain embodiments,intervals ranging from minutes to days, to weeks to months, can bepresent between the administrations of the two or more compositions.

The effective amounts of therapeutic agents administered in combinationwith a VEGF-C antagonist will be at the physician's or veterinarian'sdiscretion. Dosage administration and adjustment is done to achievemaximal management of the conditions to be treated. The dose willadditionally depend on such factors as the type of therapeutic agent tobe used and the specific patient being treated. Suitable dosages for theanti-cancer agent are those presently used and can be lowered due to thecombined action (synergy) of the anti-cancer agent and the VEGF-Cantagonist. In certain embodiments, the combination of the inhibitorspotentiates the efficacy of a single inhibitor. The term “potentiate”refers to an improvement in the efficacy of a therapeutic agent at itscommon or approved dose. See also the section entitled PharmaceuticalFormulations and Dosages herein.

Chemotherapeutic Agents

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a disorder(such as a tumor, a cancer, or a cell proliferative disorder) byadministering effective amounts of an antagonist of VEGF-C and/or anangiogenesis inhibitor(s) and one or more chemotherapeutic agents. Avariety of chemotherapeutic agents may be used in the combined treatmentmethods of the invention. An exemplary and non-limiting list ofchemotherapeutic agents contemplated is provided herein under“Definitions.” The administration of the VEGF-C antagonist and thechemotherapeutic agent can be done simultaneously, e.g., as a singlecomposition or as two or more distinct compositions, using the same ordifferent administration routes. Alternatively, or additionally, theadministration can be done sequentially, in any order. Alternatively, oradditionally, the steps can be performed as a combination of bothsequentially and simultaneously, in any order. In certain embodiments,intervals ranging from minutes to days, to weeks to months, can bepresent between the administrations of the two or more compositions. Forexample, the chemotherapeutic agent may be administered first, followedby the VEGF-C antagonist. However, simultaneous administration oradministration of the VEGF-C antagonist first is also contemplated.Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides methods comprisingadministration of a VEGF-C antagonist (such as an anti-VEGF-C antibody),followed by administration of a chemotherapeutic agent. In certainembodiments, intervals ranging from minutes to days, to weeks to months,can be present between the administrations of the two or morecompositions.

As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, theappropriate doses of chemotherapeutic agents will be generally aroundthose already employed in clinical therapies wherein thechemotherapeutics are administered alone or in combination with otherchemotherapeutics. Variation in dosage will likely occur depending onthe condition being treated. The physician administering treatment willbe able to determine the appropriate dose for the individual subject.

Relapse Tumor Growth

The invention also provides methods and compositions for inhibiting orpreventing relapse tumor growth or relapse cancer cell growth. Relapsetumor growth or relapse cancer cell growth is used to describe acondition in which patients undergoing or treated with one or morecurrently available therapies (e.g., cancer therapies, such aschemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormonal therapy and/orbiological therapy/immunotherapy, anti-VEGF antibody therapy,particularly a standard therapeutic regimen for the particular cancer)is not clinically adequate to treat the patients or the patients are nolonger receiving any beneficial effect from the therapy such that thesepatients need additional effective therapy. As used herein, the phrasecan also refer to a condition of the “non-responsive/refractory”patient, e.g., which describe patients who respond to therapy yet sufferfrom side effects, develop resistance, do not respond to the therapy, donot respond satisfactorily to the therapy, etc. In various embodiments,a cancer is relapse tumor growth or relapse cancer cell growth where thenumber of cancer cells has not been significantly reduced, or hasincreased, or tumor size has not been significantly reduced, or hasincreased, or fails any further reduction in size or in number of cancercells. The determination of whether the cancer cells are relapse tumorgrowth or relapse cancer cell growth can be made either in vivo or invitro by any method known in the art for assaying the effectiveness oftreatment on cancer cells, using the art-accepted meanings of “relapse”or “refractory” or “non-responsive” in such a context. A tumor resistantto anti-VEGF treatment is an example of a relapse tumor growth.

The invention provides methods of blocking or reducing relapse tumorgrowth or relapse cancer cell growth in a subject by administering oneor more VEGF-C antagonist to block or reduce the relapse tumor growth orrelapse cancer cell growth in subject. In certain embodiments, theantagonist can be administered subsequent to the cancer therapeutic. Incertain embodiments, the VEGF-C antagonists are administeredsimultaneously with cancer therapy. Alternatively, or additionally, theVEGF-C antagonist therapy alternates with another cancer therapy, whichcan be performed in any order. The invention also encompasses methodsfor administering one or more inhibitory antibodies to prevent the onsetor recurrence of cancer in patients predisposed to having cancer.Generally, the subject was or is concurrently undergoing cancer therapy.In one embodiment, the cancer therapy is treatment with ananti-angiogenesis agent, e.g., a VEGF antagonist. The anti-angiogenesisagent includes those known in the art and those found under theDefinitions herein. In one embodiment, the anti-angiogenesis agent is ananti-VEGF neutralizing antibody or fragment (e.g., humanized A4.6.1,AVASTIN® (Genentech, South San Francisco, Calif.), Y0317, M4, G6, B20,2C3, etc.). See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,582,959, 6,884,879, 6,703,020;WO98/45332; WO 96/30046; WO94/10202; EP 0666868B1; US PatentApplications 20030206899, 20030190317, 20030203409, and 20050112126;Popkov et al., Journal of Immunological Methods 288:149-164 (2004); and,WO2005012359. Additional agents can be administered in combination withVEGF antagonist and a VEGF-C antagonist for blocking or reducing relapsetumor growth or relapse cancer cell growth, e.g., see section entitledCombination therapies herein.

Diagnostic Methods and Methods of Detection

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of diagnosing a disorderassociated with increased expression of VEGF-C. In certain embodiments,the method comprises contacting a test cell with an anti-VEGF-Cantibody; determining the level of expression (either quantitatively orqualitatively) of VEGF-C by the test cell by detecting binding of theanti-VEGF-C antibody to VEGF-C; and comparing the level of expression ofVEGF-C by the test cell with the level of expression of VEGF-C by acontrol cell (e.g., a normal cell of the same tissue origin as the testcell or a cell that expresses VEGF-C at levels comparable to such anormal cell), wherein a higher level of expression of VEGF-C by the testcell as compared to the control cell indicates the presence of adisorder associated with increased expression of VEGF-C. In certainembodiments, the test cell is obtained from an individual suspected ofhaving a disorder associated with increased expression of VEGF-C. Incertain embodiments, the disorder is a tumor, cancer, and/or cellproliferative disorder.

Exemplary disorders that may be diagnosed using an antibody of theinvention include, but not limited to, list of disorders, tumors andcancers provided herein under “Definitions.”

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of detecting thepresence of VEGF-C in a biological sample. The term “detecting” as usedherein encompasses quantitative or qualitative detection.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting the biologicalsample with an anti-VEGF-C antibody under conditions permissive forbinding of the anti-VEGF-C antibody to VEGF, and detecting whether acomplex is formed between the anti-VEGF-C antibody and VEGF-C. In someembodiments, the complex is in vivo or in vitro. In some embodiments,the complex comprises a cancer cell.

Analytical methods for VEGF-C all use one or more of the followingreagents: labeled VEGF-C analogue, immobilized VEGF-C analogue, labeledanti-VEGF-C antibody, immobilized anti-VEGF-C antibody and/or stericconjugates. The labeled reagents also are known as “tracers.”

In certain embodiments, the anti-VEGF-C antibody is detectably labeled.The label used is any detectable functionality that does not interferewith the binding of VEGF-C and anti-VEGF-C antibody. Labels include, butare not limited to, labels or moieties that are detected directly (suchas fluorescent, chromophoric, electron-dense, chemiluminescent, andradioactive labels), as well as moieties, such as enzymes or ligands,that are detected indirectly, e.g., through an enzymatic reaction ormolecular interaction. Exemplary labels include, but are not limited to,the radioisotopes ³²P, ¹⁴C, ¹²⁵I, ³H, and ¹³¹I, fluorophores such asrare earth chelates or fluorescein and its derivatives, rhodamine andits derivatives, dansyl, umbelliferone, luceriferases, e.g., fireflyluciferase and bacterial luciferase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,456),luciferin, 2,3-dihydrophthalazinediones, horseradish peroxidase (HRP),alkaline phosphatase, β-galactosidase, glucoamylase, lysozyme,saccharide oxidases, e.g., glucose oxidase, galactose oxidase, andglucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, heterocyclic oxidases such as uricaseand xanthine oxidase, coupled with an enzyme that employs hydrogenperoxide to oxidize a dye precursor such as HRP, lactoperoxidase, ormicroperoxidase, biotin/avidin, spin labels, bacteriophage labels,stable free radicals, and the like.

Conventional methods are available to bind these labels covalently toproteins or polypeptides. For instance, coupling agents such asdialdehydes, carbodiimides, dimaleimides, bis-imidates, bis-diazotizedbenzidine, and the like may be used to tag the antibodies with theabove-described fluorescent, chemiluminescent, and enzyme labels. See,for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,940,475 (fluorimetry) and 3,645,090(enzymes); Hunter et al., Nature, 144: 945 (1962); David et al.,Biochemistry, 13: 1014-1021 (1974); Pain et al., J. Immunol. Methods,40: 219-230 (1981); and Nygren, J. Histochem. and Cytochem., 30: 407-412(1982). Preferred labels herein are enzymes such as horseradishperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase. The conjugation of such label,including the enzymes, to the antibody is a standard manipulativeprocedure for one of ordinary skill in immunoassay techniques. See, forexample, O'Sullivan et al., “Methods for the Preparation ofEnzyme-antibody Conjugates for Use in Enzyme Immunoassay,” in Methods inEnzymology, ed. J. J. Langone and H. Van Vunakis, Vol. 73 (AcademicPress, New York, N.Y., 1981), pp. 147-166.

In certain embodiments, antibodies are immobilized on an insolublematrix. Immobilization may entail separating an anti-VEGF-C antibodyfrom any VEGF-C that remains free in solution. This conventionally isaccomplished by either insolubilizing the anti-VEGF-C antibody beforethe assay procedure, as by adsorption to a water-insoluble matrix orsurface (Bennich et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,760), or by covalentcoupling (for example, using glutaraldehyde cross-linking), or byinsolubilizing the anti-VEGF-C antibody after formation of a complexbetween the anti-VEGF-C antibody and VEGF-C, e.g., byimmunoprecipitation.

Anti-VEGF-C antibodies can be used for the detection of VEGF-C in anyone of a number of well known detection assay methods. For example, abiological sample may be assayed for VEGF-C by obtaining the sample froma desired source, admixing the sample with anti-VEGF-C antibody to allowthe antibody to form antibody/VEGF-C complex with any VEGF-C present inthe mixture, and detecting any antibody/VEGF-C complex present in themixture. The biological sample may be prepared for assay by methodsknown in the art which are suitable for the particular sample. Themethods of admixing the sample with antibodies and the methods ofdetecting antibody/VEGF-C complex are chosen according to the type ofassay used.

Assays used to detect binding of anti-VEGF-C antibodies to VEGF-Cinclude, but not limited to, antigen-binding assays that are well knownin the art, such as western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzymelinked immunosorbent assay), competitive and “sandwich” assays,immunoprecipitation assays, fluorescent immunoassays, protein Aimmunoassays, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and steric inhibition assays.

In one embodiment, the expression of VEGF-C in a sample may be examinedusing immunohistochemistry and staining protocols. Immunohistochemicalstaining of tissue sections has been shown to be a reliable method ofassessing or detecting presence of proteins in a sample.Immunohistochemistry techniques utilize an antibody to probe andvisualize cellular antigens in situ, generally by chromogenic orfluorescent methods. For sample preparation, a tissue or cell samplefrom a mammal (typically a human patient) may be used. Examples ofsamples include, but are not limited to, cancer cells such as colon,breast, prostate, ovary, lung, stomach, pancreas, lymphoma, and leukemiacancer cells. The sample can be obtained by a variety of proceduresknown in the art including, but not limited to surgical excision,aspiration or biopsy. The tissue may be fresh or frozen. In oneembodiment, the sample is fixed and embedded in paraffin or the like.The tissue sample may be fixed (i.e. preserved) by conventionalmethodology. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thechoice of a fixative is determined by the purpose for which the sampleis to be histologically stained or otherwise analyzed. One of ordinaryskill in the art will also appreciate that the length of fixationdepends upon the size of the tissue sample and the fixative used.

IHC may be performed in combination with additional techniques such asmorphological staining and/or fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Twogeneral methods of IHC are available; direct and indirect assays.According to the first assay, binding of antibody to the target antigen(e.g., VEGF-C) is determined directly. This direct assay uses a labeledreagent, such as a fluorescent tag or an enzyme-labeled primaryantibody, which can be visualized without further antibody interaction.In a typical indirect assay, unconjugated primary antibody binds to theantigen and then a labeled secondary antibody binds to the primaryantibody. Where the secondary antibody is conjugated to an enzymaticlabel, a chromogenic or fluorogenic substrate is added to providevisualization of the antigen. Signal amplification occurs becauseseveral secondary antibodies may react with different epitopes on theprimary antibody. The primary and/or secondary antibody used forimmunohistochemistry typically will be labeled with a detectable moiety.

Aside from the sample preparation procedures discussed above, furthertreatment of the tissue section prior to, during or following IHC may bedesired. For example, epitope retrieval methods, such as heating thetissue sample in citrate buffer may be carried out (see, e.g., Leong etal. Appl. Immunohistochem. 4(3):201 (1996)).

Following an optional blocking step, the tissue section is exposed toprimary antibody for a sufficient period of time and under suitableconditions such that the primary antibody binds to the target proteinantigen in the tissue sample. Appropriate conditions for achieving thiscan be determined by routine experimentation. The extent of binding ofantibody to the sample is determined by using any one of the detectablelabels discussed above. Preferably, the label is an enzymatic label(e.g. HRPO) which catalyzes a chemical alteration of the chromogenicsubstrate such as 3,3′-diaminobenzidine chromogen. Preferably theenzymatic label is conjugated to antibody which binds specifically tothe primary antibody (e.g., the primary antibody is rabbit polyclonalantibody and secondary antibody is goat anti-rabbit antibody).

Specimens thus prepared may be mounted and coverslipped. Slideevaluation is then determined, e.g., using a microscope, and stainingintensity criteria, routinely used in the art, may be employed. Stainingintensity criteria may be evaluated as follows:

TABLE 2 Staining Pattern Score No staining is observed in cells. 0Faint/barely perceptible staining is detected in more 1+ than 10% of thecells. Weak to moderate staining is observed in more than 2+ 10% of thecells. Moderate to strong staining is observed in more than 3+ 10% ofthe cells.

Typically, a staining pattern score of about 2+ or higher in an IHCassay is diagnostic and/or prognostic. In some embodiments, a stainingpattern score of about 1+ or higher is diagnostic and/or prognostic. Inother embodiments, a staining pattern score of about 3 of higher isdiagnostic and/or prognostic. It is understood that when cells and/ortissue from a tumor or colon adenoma are examined using IHC, staining isgenerally determined or assessed in tumor cell and/or tissue (as opposedto stromal or surrounding tissue that may be present in the sample).

Other assay methods, known as competitive or sandwich assays, are wellestablished and widely used in the commercial diagnostics industry. Inone embodiment, to screen for antibodies which bind to a particularepitope on the antigen of interest, a routine cross-blocking assay suchas that described in Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring HarborLaboratory, Ed Harlow and David Lane (1988), can be performed.Alternatively, epitope mapping, e.g. as described in Champe et al.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:1388-1394, can be performed to determinewhether the antibody binds an epitope of interest. Detailed exemplarymethods for mapping an epitope to which an antibody binds are alsoprovided in Morris (1996) “Epitope Mapping Protocols,” in Methods inMolecular Biology vol. 66 (Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Two antibodiesare said to bind to the same epitope if each blocks binding of the otherby 50% or more.

Competitive assays rely on the ability of a tracer VEGF-C analogue tocompete with the test sample VEGF-C for a limited number of anti-VEGF-Cantibody antigen-binding sites. The anti-VEGF-C antibody generally isinsolubilized before or after the competition and then the tracer andVEGF-C bound to the anti-VEGF-C antibody are separated from the unboundtracer and VEGF-C. This separation is accomplished by decanting (wherethe binding partner was preinsolubilized) or by centrifuging (where thebinding partner was precipitated after the competitive reaction). Theamount of test sample VEGF-C is inversely proportional to the amount ofbound tracer as measured by the amount of marker substance.Dose-response curves with known amounts of VEGF-C are prepared andcompared with the test results to quantitatively determine the amount ofVEGF-C present in the test sample. These assays are called ELISA systemswhen enzymes are used as the detectable markers.

Another species of competitive assay, called a “homogeneous” assay, doesnot require a phase separation. Here, a conjugate of an enzyme with theVEGF-C is prepared and used such that when anti-VEGF-C antibody binds tothe VEGF-C the presence of the anti-VEGF-C antibody modifies the enzymeactivity. In this case, the VEGF-C or its immunologically activefragments are conjugated with a bifunctional organic bridge to an enzymesuch as peroxidase. Conjugates are selected for use with anti-VEGF-Cantibody so that binding of the anti-VEGF-C antibody inhibits orpotentiates the enzyme activity of the label. This method per se iswidely practiced under the name of EMIT.

Steric conjugates are used in steric hindrance methods for homogeneousassay. These conjugates are synthesized by covalently linking alow-molecular-weight hapten to a small VEGF-C fragment so that antibodyto hapten is substantially unable to bind the conjugate at the same timeas anti-VEGF-C antibody. Under this assay procedure the VEGF-C presentin the test sample will bind anti-VEGF-C antibody, thereby allowinganti-hapten to bind the conjugate, resulting in a change in thecharacter of the conjugate hapten, e.g., a change in fluorescence whenthe hapten is a fluorophore.

Sandwich assays particularly are useful for the determination of VEGF-Cor anti-VEGF-C antibodies. In sequential sandwich assays an immobilizedanti-VEGF-C antibody is used to adsorb test sample VEGF-C, the testsample is removed as by washing, the bound VEGF-C is used to adsorb asecond, labeled anti-VEGF-C antibody and bound material is thenseparated from residual tracer. The amount of bound tracer is directlyproportional to test sample VEGF-C. In “simultaneous” sandwich assaysthe test sample is not separated before adding the labeled anti-VEGF-C.A sequential sandwich assay using an anti-VEGF-C monoclonal antibody asone antibody and a polyclonal anti-VEGF-C antibody as the other isuseful in testing samples for VEGF-C.

The foregoing are merely exemplary detection assays for VEGF-C. Othermethods now or hereafter developed that use anti-VEGF-C antibody for thedetermination of VEGF-C are included within the scope hereof.

It is understood that any of the above embodiments of diagnosis ordetection may be carried out using an immunoconjugate of the inventionin place of or in addition to an anti-VEGF-C antibody.

Articles of Manufacture

In another aspect of the invention, an article of manufacture containingmaterials useful for the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of thedisorders described above is provided. The article of manufacturecomprises a container and a label or package insert on or associatedwith the container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles,vials, syringes, etc. The containers may be formed from a variety ofmaterials such as glass or plastic. The container holds a compositionwhich is by itself or combined with another composition effective fortreating, preventing and/or diagnosing the condition and may have asterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenoussolution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermicinjection needle). At least one active agent in the composition is anantibody or immunoconjugate of the invention. The label or packageinsert indicates that the composition is used for treating the conditionof choice. Moreover, the article of manufacture may comprise (a) a firstcontainer with a composition contained therein, wherein the compositioncomprises an antibody or immunoconjugate of the invention; and (b) asecond container with a composition contained therein, wherein thecomposition comprises a further cytotoxic or otherwise therapeuticagent. The article of manufacture in this embodiment of the inventionmay further comprise a package insert indicating that the compositionscan be used to treat a particular condition. Alternatively, oradditionally, the article of manufacture may further comprise a second(or third) container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer,such as bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate-bufferedsaline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It may further includeother materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint,including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.

Although in the foregoing description the invention is illustrated withreference to certain embodiments, it is not so limited. Indeed, variousmodifications of the invention in addition to those shown and describedherein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing description and fall within the scope of the appended claims.All references cited throughout the specification, and the referencescited therein, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in theirentirety. Throughout the present application, including the claims, theterm “comprising” is used as an inclusive, open-ended transition phrase,which does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Generation and Characterization of Anti-VEGF-CAntibodies

Synthetic phage antibody libraries were built on a single framework(humanized anti-ErbB2 antibody, 4D5) by introducing diversity within thecomplementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of heavy and light chains(Lee, C. V. et al. J Mol Biol 340, 1073-93 (2004)). In brief,phage-displayed synthetic antibody libraries were built on a singlehuman framework by introducing synthetic diversity at solvent-exposedpositions within the heavy chain complementarity-determining regions(CDRs). To improve library performance, monovalent and bivalentantigen-binding fragment (Fab) libraries were constructed, and exploreddifferent CDR-H3 diversities by varying the amino acid composition andCDR length. The library was then expanded by increasing the variabilityof CDR-H3 length and using tailored codons that mimicked the amino acidcomposition of natural CDR-H3 sequences. Using these libraries withcompletely synthetic CDRs displayed on a single scaffold high affinityantibodies were generated. For further details of strategies and methodsfor generating synthetic antibody libraries with single template, see,e.g., WO 2005/012359 published Feb. 10, 2005, the entire disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Plate panning with naïve libraries was performed against human VEGF-Cmatured form (R&D systems) 5 ug/ml immobilized on MaxiSorp™immunoplates. After four rounds of enrichment, clones were randomlypicked and specific binders were identified using phage ELISA. For eachpositive phage clone, variable regions of heavy and light chains weresubcloned into pRK expression vectors that were engineered to expressfull-length IgG chains. Heavy chain and light chain constructs wereco-transfected into 293 or CHO cells, and the expressed antibodies werepurified from serum-free medium using protein A affinity column.Purified antibodies were tested by ELISA for blocking the interactionbetween human VEGF-C and human VEGFR3. For affinity maturation, phagelibraries with different combination of CDR loops (CDR-L3 and H3)derived from the initial clone of interest were constructed by softrandomization strategy so that each selected position was mutated to anon-wild type residue or maintained as wild type at about 50:50frequency (Lee, C. V et al., Blood, 108:3103-3111, 2006). High affinityclones were then identified through four rounds of solution phasepanning against biotinylated human VEGF-C and then captured byneutravidin coated on the 96-well Maxisorp plate (5 μg/ml). Decreasingbiotinylated antigen concentration allowed more stringency in panning

Example 2 Anti-VEGF-C Antibodies Binding Affinities, Epitope Mapping andBlocking Analysis

Phage clones were propagated from a single colony by growing in 30 ml of2YT culture supplemented with carbenicillin and KO7 helper phageovernight at 30° C., and purified as described (Lee, C V, J Mol Biol340, 2004). Phage were first titrated by diluting in PBS with 0.5% BSAand 0.05% Tween20 (PBT) and tested for binding to hVEGF-C coated plate.The dilution that gave 50%-70% saturation was used to perform thecompetition binding assay in which phage were first incubated withincreasing concentrations of hVEGF-C for 1-2 hour and then transferredto hVEGF-C coated plates to capture the unbound phage. The amount ofphage bound was measured with anti-M13 antibody horse-radish peroxidaseconjugate (Amersham) and developed with tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)(Kirkegaard and Perry Laboratories, Gaithersburg, Md.) as substrate for˜5 min, quenched with 1.0 M H₃PO₄ and read spectrophotometrically at 450nm wavelength. IC₅₀ values were calculated as the concentration ofsoluble antigen that inhibited 50% of the phage from binding toimmobilized antigen. See also FIGS. 33, 35 and 36.

To determine binding affinities of anti-VEGF-C IgGs, surface plasmonresonance (SRP) measurement with a BIAcore™-3000 instrument was used.First of all, anti-VEGF-C human IgGs were captured by CM5 biosensorchips to achieve approximately 500 response units (RU). For kineticsmeasurements, two-fold serial dilutions of human VEGF-C (12.5 nM to 500nM) were injected separately in PBT buffer (PBS with 0.05% (v/v) Tween20) at 25° C. with a flow rate of 30 μl/min. Association rates (k_(on))and dissociation rates (k_(off)) were calculated using a simpleone-to-one Langmuir binding model (BIAcore Evaluation Software version3.2). The equilibrium dissociation constant (K_(D)) was calculated asthe ratio k_(off)/k_(on). See also FIGS. 31 and 34.

To evaluate the receptor blocking activities of anti-VEGF-C IgG,three-fold serial dilutions of anti-VEGF-C IgGs were first incubatedwith optimized biotinylated VEGF-C concentration in PBST buffer for 2hour, following by captured on VEGFR3 coated Maxisorp plate for 15minutes. The amount of biotinylated VEGF-C binding to VEGFR3 wasdetected by streptavidin-HRP conjugates. See also FIGS. 10 and 32.

To map the epitope of anti-VEGF-C antibodies, three-fold serialdilutions of VC4.5 IgG were first incubated with 96-well Maxisorp platecoated hVEGF-C C137S (5 μg/ml) in PBST buffer for 2 hr, following byadding anti-VEGF-C phage with concentration of optimized OD 450 nmsignal for 15 minutes. The amount of anti-VEGF-C phage binding tohVEGF-C C137S was detected by anti-M13 HRP conjugates. See also FIG. 37.

Example 3 Cell Cultures

HMVEC-dLyAd—Human Dermal Lymphatic Microvascular Endothelial Cells(LECs) and HUVECS were purchased from Cambrex and cultured in EGM-2medium (Cambrex). C6 LacZ cells were purchased from ATCC. Tumor cellswere cultured in DMEM (Gibco) supplemented with 10% FBS. All cells weremaintained at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂, 95% humidity incubator.

Cell Migration Assay

VEGF-C has been shown to potently induce migration and proliferation ofendothelial cells of lymphatic (LEC's) and venous (HUVEC) origin likely,by binding to and activating VEGFR2 and VEGFR3.

Migration assays were performed using a modified Boyden chamber with 8μM pore size Falcon 24-multiwell insert system (BD Biosciences). Theplates were coated with 5 μg/ml Fibronectin (Invitrogen) for 2 hours at37° C. Cells in 100 μl assay medium (0.1% BSA, EGM-2) with/withoutantibodies were added to the upper chamber. Chemoattractant was added tothe lower chamber in 500 μl assay medium, and cells were incubated at37° C. for 16 hours. Cells on the upper membrane were removed with asponge swa.b and cells on the lower surface were fixed in 70% ethanoland stained with Sytox green (Molecular Probes). Images were taken ofthe entire lower surface of the well, and number of migrated cellscounted (6 wells per condition). See also FIGS. 7 and 40. Anti-VEGF-Cantibody strongly blocked both mature VEGF-C and FL VEGF-C inducedmigration. The anti-VEGF-C antibody did not have any effect on VEGF orHGF induced migration of HUVECs, confirming its specificity.

Cell Proliferation Assays

A 96-well black-clear bottom plate (VWR) was coated with 5 ug/mlFibronectin (Invitrogen) at 37° C. for 2 hours. LEC's were harvested andresuspended in assay medium (0.1% BSA, EGM-2) 3000 cells/100 ul andadded to wells. Cells were incubated at 37° C. for 16 hours. BrdUlabeling solution (Cell Proliferation ELISA kit; Roche) was added andthe cells were incubated for a further 24 hours at 37° C. BrdUincorporation was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay (6 wellsper condition). See also FIGS. 8, 12 and 45. Anti-VEGF-C antibodystrongly blocked both mature VEGF-C and full-length VEGF-C inducedproliferation. The anti-VEGF-C antibody did not have any effect on VEGFor HGF induced proliferation of HUVECs, confirming its specificity.

Sprouting Assays

Dextran-coated Cytodex 3 microcarrier beads (Amersham) were incubatedwith LECs (400 cells per bead) in EGM-2, which contains 200 ng/mlVEGF-C, for 4 hours at 37° C., inverting every 20 minutes. Beads werethen plated overnight at 37° C. to separate cells not coated on beads.To induce clotting, 0.5 ml cell-coated beads in EGM-2 with 2.5 mg/mlfibrinogen (200 beads/ml)+/−VEGF-C and antibodies was added into onewell of a 24-well tissue culture plate containing 0.625 units thrombinand incubated for 5 min at room temperature and then for 20 min at 37°C. The clot was equilibrated in EGM-2 for 30 min at 37° C. The mediumwas then replaced with EGM-2 containing skin fibroblast cells (Detroit551, 20,000 cells/ml). VEGF-C+/−antibodies were added to each well, andthe assay was monitored for 14 days with change in medium every 2-3days. 10 images of the beads were captured per condition by an invertedmicroscope. See also FIG. 9.

Mouse Corneal Micro Pocket Assay

Adult CD-1 mice (Charles-River) were anesthetized and a pocket of 2×3 mmwere created 1 mm from the center of the cornea in the epithelium bymicro-dissection as described previously (Polverini et al., MethodsEnzymol 198:440-450 (1991)). Agents to be tested for lymphangiogenicactivity were immobilized in an inert hydron pellet (2×2 mm). The pelletwas then implanted into the base of the pocket. Animals were treatedwith control antibody (10 mg/kg) or anti-VEGF-C (10 mg/kg) i.p. twiceweekly for 2 weeks. Then animals were perfused with FITC-labeledIsolectin B4 (Sigma) to identify blood vessels and then perfused with 4%PFA via left ventricular cardiac puncture, sacrificed and corneasdissected. The lymphatics were visualized by whole-mount IHC withanti-LYVE-1 antibody (R&D Systems 1:500). The corneas were photographedand blood vessels (FITC label) and LYVE-1 positive lymphatic vesselsarising from the limbus were quantified. See also FIGS. 13 and 14.Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in this model are completely blockedby the systemic administration of anti-VEGF-C antibody, but isunaffected by anti-VEGF antibody.

VEGF Receptor Signaling Assays

Confluent HUVECs were stimulated for 10 minutes with 200 ng/ml of VEGF-Cin the presence or absence of control or anti-VEGF-C antibodies. Thecells were lysed and assayed for many mediators know to play a role ifVEGF receptor signaling. VEGFR2 activation was evaluated using totalVEGFR2 and phospho-VEGFR2 ELISA assays (DuoSet IC ELISA kit, R&D). Seealso FIG. 11. VEGFR3 activation was evaluated using a kinase receptoractivation assay (KIRA) with an VEGFR3-293 cell line as previouslydescribed (Sadick et al., 1999). See also FIG. 41. Briefly, stable 293cell lines expressing full length Flag tagged human hVEGFR3 were assayedfor receptor phosphorylation following stimulation. 5×10⁴ cells werestarved overnight (DMEM with 0.1% BSA) and then stimulated with 40 ng/mlVEGF-A (Genentech South San Francisco, Calif.) or 200 ng/ml VEGF-C(Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, Calif.) for 8 minutes. Cells werelysed in PBS containing 1% triton and sodium orthovanadate. ELISA plateswere coated with capture Flag antibody (Sigma St Louis, Mo.). The plateswere coated (PBS+1 ug/ml of antibody) overnight and blocked (PBS+0.5%BSA) for 1 hr. After 3 washes (PBS+0.05% Tween 20), lysates were addedfor 2 hours, washed three times, followed by addition ofphospho-detection antibody 4G10 (Upstate Lake Placed, N.Y.) for 2 hours.Detection was performed with HRP antibody (Amersham Piscataway, N.J.)and TMB substrate. Plates were read at 450 nm. Anti-VEGF-C completelyinhibited VEGF-C mediated phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and VEGFR3.

Mouse Skin Vessel Permeability Assay

The backs and flanks of adult C57BL6J female mice were shaved anddivided into 4 treatment areas. They were then injected i.v. with 150 μl0.5% Evan's blue solution. 1 hr after the Evan's blue injection, 20 μlof PBS containing BSA or VEGF-C (7.5 μg/ml) with or without anti-VEGF-Cantibody or VEGFR3 ECD (0.5 mg/ml) was injected intradermally, randomlyon one of the four zones. 1 hr later, the animals were sacrificed andthe skin was dissected out and imaged. Skin samples for each injectionzone were cut out and incubated in formamide solution at 55° C. for 48hrs to extract the blue dye. The absorbance of the solution was thenmeasured with a spectrometer at 600 nm. Quantification of the Evan'sblue dye extracted from skin samples in the permeability assay is shownin FIG. 42. Treatment with anti-VEGF-C antibody and VEGFR3 ECD reducedVEGF-C induced vascular permeability. VEGF induced vascular permeabilitywas not blocked by anti-VEGF-C, confirming specificity.

Animal Studies

All studies were conducted in accordance with the Guide for the Care andUse of Laboratory Animals, published by the NIH (NIH Publication 85-23,revised 1985). An Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)approved all animal protocols.

Tumor Models

It has previously been reported that VEGF-C plays a role in primarytumor growth and dissemination of tumor cells by inducing angiogenesisand lymphangiogenesis (Alitalo and Carmeliet, Cancer Cell 1, 219-227(2002); Cao et al., PNAS 95, 14389-14394 (1998); Skobe et al., NatureMedicine 7, 192-198 (2001b); Su et al., Cancer Cell 9, 209-223 (2006)).Since anti-VEGF-C antibody described herein blocked angiogenesis andlymphangiogenesis in the corneal micro pocket assay, we evaluated itsability to modulate primary tumor growth in 66c14, and H460 tumor modelswhere anti-VEGF has been shown to have an incomplete anti-angiogenicactivity.

For 66C14, cells were harvested by trypsinization, washed, andresuspended in PBS at a concentration of 2×10⁵ cells in 10 μl PBS. Micewere anesthetized using 75 mg/kg ketamine and 7.5 mg/kg xylazine, and anincision made underneath the right forelimb. 2×10⁵ cells in 10 μl PBSwas injected directly into the exposed 4^(th) mammary fat pad of 6-8week old female balb-C mice. For C6, 2×10⁶ tumor cells in 100 μl PBSwere injected subcutaneously into the right flank of 6-8 week old femalebalb-C nude mice. For both sets of studies, tumor growth was monitored 3times weekly. When tumors reach an average size of 80-120 mm³, mice weresorted to give nearly identical group mean tumor sizes, and treatmentwas started. This was considered day 1 of each study. Animals weretreated with control antibody (10 mg/kg) or anti-VEGF-C (10 mg/kg) i.p.twice weekly till study termination. All studies were repeated 3 timesto ensure reproducibility. See also FIGS. 15-16, 19-20 and 44.

H460 and A549 tumor model studies were conducted at Piedmont ResearchCenter, LLC (Morrisville, N.C.) using standardized techniques. Briefly,xenografts were initiated from cultured H460 human non-small cell lungcarcinoma cells (grown to mid-log phase in RPMI-1640 medium containing10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, 100 units/mL penicillin G, 100μg/mL streptomycin sulfate, 0.25 μg/mL amphotericin B, 1 mM sodiumpyruvate, 2 mM glutamine, 10 mM HEPES, 0.075% sodium bicarbonate, and 25μg/mL gentamicin) or from A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells (culturedin Kaighn's modified Ham's F12 medium containing 10% heat-inactivatedfetal bovine serum, 100 units/mL penicillin G, 100 μg/mL streptomycinsulfate, 0.25 μg/mL amphotericin B, 2 mM glutamine, 1 mM sodiumpyruvate, and 25 μg/mL gentamicin). On the day of tumor implant, H460cells were harvested and resuspended in PBS at a concentration of 5×10⁷cells/mL. Each test mouse received 1×10⁷ H460 tumor cells implantedsubcutaneously in the right flank. For A549 tumors, A549 cells wereresuspended in 100% Matrigel™ matrix (BD Biosciences) at a concentrationof 5×10⁷ cells/mL. A549 cells (1×10⁷ in 0.2 mL) were implantedsubcutaneously in the right flank of each test mouse, and tumor growthwas monitored. The animals were sorted by tumor size into four groups(n=10) with group mean tumor volumes of 111-112 mm³ and individual tumorsizes ranging from 75 to 196 mm³ and this was considered day 1 of study.Tumor volume was calculated using the formula: Tumor Volume(mm³)=((w^(2*l))/2) where w=width and l=length in mm of a H460 tumor.

All treatments were administered intraperitoneally twice weekly for fiveweeks (i.p. 2×/wk×5), with anti-VEGF antibody B20-4.1 dosed at 5 mg/kg,and anti-VEGF-C antibody dosed at 10 mg/kg. Group 1 mice received PBSand served as the tumor growth control group. Groups 2 and 3 receivedmonotherapy with anti-VEGF B20-4.1 and anti-VEGF-C antibodies,respectively. Group 4 received anti-VEGF antibody B20-4.1 administeredin combination with anti-VEGF-C antibody. For the combination treatmentgroup, anti-VEGF-C antibody was administered no later than thirtyminutes after anti-VEGF antibody B20-4.1 dosing. Each dose was deliveredin a volume of 0.2 mL per 20 grams body weight (10 mL/kg), and wasscaled to the body weight of the animal.

Calculations were performed as follows: percent tumor growth inhibition(% TGI)=(median tumor volume of the control arm−median tumor volume ofthe treatment arm/median tumor volume of the control arm)×100. % TGI isonly measured as long as all animals remain on the study. Time toendpoint (TTE)=log₁₀ (endpoint volume, mm³)−b/m; were b is the interceptand m is the slope of the line obtained by linear regression of thelog-transformed tumor growth data. Percent tumor growth delay (%TGD)=(median TTE for a treatment arm−median TTE for the controlarm/median TTE for the control arm)×100. See also FIGS. 17 and 18.

At study end animals were anesthetized and perfused with 4% PFA. Tumorswere harvested, cryoprotected and frozen in OCT (Tissue-Tek). Lungs wereinflated via a right ventricular perfusion of 10 ml of PBS followed by4% PFA, and visual counts of metastatic lesions were performed prior toMicro-CT analysis.

In the 66c14 model, anti-VEGF-C antibody significantly reduced primarytumor growth. See FIGS. 16 and 44. This response translated into anincreased survival benefit with anti-VEGF-C treatment. Additionally,anti-VEGF-C antibody also showed efficacy in the H460 model.

The ability of both anti-VEGF antibody and anti-VEGF-C antibody toinhibit tumor growth when utilized as single agents suggested that bothVEGF and VEGF-C play important roles in promoting angiogenesis. In the66c14 model, combination treatment of anti-VEGF-C antibody withanti-VEGF antibody showed an almost complete reduction in primary tumorgrowth compared to either single agent alone. See FIG. 16. This alsoresulted in an increased survival benefit. This effect was also seen inthe H460 tumor model where combination treatment was more effective atinhibiting primary tumor growth than either treatment alone. See FIG.17. Primary tumor growth inhibition was reduced significantly in thecombination arm over the anti-VEGF antibody treatment arm.

Furthermore, our data suggest that concomitant inhibition of VEGF-C andVEGF provides additional benefit for primary tumor growth stasis. SeeFIG. 43.

Anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment resulted in a reduction of median tumorgrowth and increase in survival in A549 tumors in combination withanti-VEGF-A antibody. However, anti-VEGF-C antibody treatment did notresult in a reduction of tumor growth as a single agent in this model.We reasoned that this is due to the high VEGF protein levels found inthis model, which could mask the effect of blocking VEGF-C. Furthermore,we hypothesized that VEGF-C would become biologically significant in thesetting of VEGF inhibition, when the levels of VEGF-C may, to somedegree, functionally compensate for the blocked VEGF. To test this weevaluated combination treatment in the A549 model and found that thistreatment resulted in a significant decrease in primary tumor growth inthe combination arm over the anti-VEGF antibody treatment arm (TGI of62% compared to anti-VEGF; p=0.007). This improvement is also observedin survival, as shown by the Kaplan-Meier plot with TGD increasing from65% in the anti-VEGF treated arm to 263% in the combination treated arm.Representative images of H&E stained sections in A549 tumors treatedwith combination of anti-VEGF-A and anti-VEGF-C further show thatanti-VEGF-C antibody and anti-VEGF-A antibody combination treatmentresults in dramatic histologic changes in the primary tumor mass.

Micro-CT Analysis of Lungs

Lungs were immersed in 10% NBF for 24 hours, then immersed in a 20%solution of an iodine-based x-ray computed tomography contrast agent,Isovue370 (Bracco Diagnostics Inc, Princeton, N.J.), for 24 hours. Lungswere then immersed in and perfused via the trachea cannula with 20 mlsof soy bean oil (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) at a rate of 0.25ml/min. The soy bean oil was used to remove excess contrast agent andprovide a background media for imaging.

The mouse lungs were imaged ex-vivo with a VivaCT (SCANCO Medical,Basserdorf, Switzerland) x-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)system. A sagittal scout image, comparable with a conventional planarx-ray, was obtained to define the start and end point for the axialacquisition of a series of micro-CT image slices. The location andnumber of axial images were chosen to provide complete coverage of thelung. The lungs were immersed in soybean oil as the background media.The micro-CT images were generated by operating the x-ray tube at anenergy level of 45 kV, a current of 160 μA and an integration time of450 milliseconds. Axial images were obtained at an isotropic resolutionof 21 μm. The lung tumor estimates (number and volume) were obtained bya semi-automated image analysis algorithm that includes an inspectionstep by a trained reader. Lung tumors appear as a hyper-intense solidmass relative to porous, mesh-like structures of the normal lung. Thisis due to the absorption of the iodine contrast agent by solidstructures (bronchial and aveloi walls, tumors, trachea, medial steinum)contained within the lung. Excess contrast agent was cleared from thefilled air spaces by the oil perfusion step. Potential tumor masses wereextracted by a series of image processing steps. The image analysissoftware was developed in-house. It was written in C++ and employed theAnalyze (AnalyzeDirect Inc., Lenexa, Kans., USA) image analysis softwarefunction libraries. The algorithm employs intensity thresholding,morphological filtering and region-growing to extract all potentialtumors masses. An intensity threshold (1480 Hounsfield Units) wasdetermined by histogram analysis of 5 arbitrary lungs employed foralgorithm development and the optimal threshold was chosen to includetumor voxels and exclude any background signal. Morphological (erosion,dilation) and region-growing operations were applied to connecthyper-intense regions of voxels and to remove any voxels of similardensity found in the thin walls of the bronchioles and aveoli. Theregion growing step requires a minimum volume of 2300 connected voxels(greater than 0.0231 mm³) to be accepted as an object (mass). Theidentified objects were then evaluated by a trained reader with theAnalyze 3D visualization software. Individual objects were accepted orrejected as possible tumors based on the appearance of the object andits location within the lung. Objects were rejected if they resideoutside the lung (ex. mediasteinum, extraneous tissue debris) orresemble a blood-filled vessel. The tumor count, individual tumor volumeand total tumor volume were determined for each lung. See also FIGS. 20,21 and 46.

Immunohistochemistry

18 μm tissue cryosections were cut and mounted onto glass slides. Thesections were incubated O/N with primary antibody (anti-LYVE-1(anti-R&D, 1:200), anti-PECAM-1 (Benton Dickinson, 1:500), MECA32(Abcam, 1:1000), or Ki67 (Neovision 1:100) at 4° C. Samples were thenstained with Alexa 488 or Alexa 568 secondary antibodies (1:200;Molecular Probes) for 4 hrs at RT. Staining with secondary only was usedas a control. TUNNEL staining was performed with a commercial kit(Roche). Images were captured with a Zeiss Axiophot fluorescencemicroscope. Blood and lymphatic vessel area was determined from 6representative images from each of 6-10 tumors per group, evaluated formean pixel number by ImageJ Software (http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij, lastvisited Jul. 12, 2007) as previously described (Mancuso et al., J ClinInvest (2006); 116(10):2585-7. See also FIG. 21.

What is claimed:
 1. An isolated anti-vascular endothelial growthfactor-C (VEGF-C) antibody, wherein the antibody comprises six HVRs: (1)an HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3; (2) anHVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8; (3) an HVR-H3comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:26; (4) an HVR-L1comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:27; (5) an HVR-L2comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:28; and (6) an HVR-L3comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29.
 2. The antibody ofclaim 1, wherein the antibody further comprises an Fc having an aminoacid substitution at position 297 to alanine.
 3. The antibody of claim2, wherein the Fc further comprises an amino acid substitution atposition 265 to alanine.
 4. The antibody of claim 1, wherein theantibody is a monoclonal antibody.
 5. The antibody of claim 1, whereinthe antibody is a humanized antibody.
 6. The antibody of claim 1,wherein the antibody is a bispecific antibody.
 7. The antibody of claim1, comprising a heavy chain variable domain (VH) and a light chainvariable domain (VL), wherein said VL comprises the amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO:85.
 8. The antibody of claim 7, wherein said VH comprisesthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:84.